During next month’s international break, several senior players from the Spain national team will discuss with Yamal the situation he experienced around the El Clásico.
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal successfully underwent right knee arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to remove a "loose body in the joint"—a condition detected in medical tests after he felt pain following 19 minutes of play in last Sunday’s El Clásico. According to the club’s announcement, the procedure was performed by Dr. Manuel Reyes under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical department.
Carvajal felt discomfort after the match, which marked his return following a four-game absence due to a right soleus muscle tear. The surgical site is the same joint where he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear, lateral collateral ligament tear, and popliteus tendon tear on October 5, 2024—an injury that sidelined him for eight months. This time, the expected recovery period is shorter, around two to three months, with Carvajal aiming to return for the Spanish Super Cup in early January.
This injury means that after their El Clásico conflict, the Real Madrid captain will miss the chance to meet Yamal during the next international window. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will soon announce the squad for the final phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and Carvajal will not be included.
The post-derby scene where Carvajal told Yamal, "Keep talking," had sparked expectations of a reunion between the two in the national team. No one in Spain’s dressing room wants this incident to disrupt the current positive atmosphere, especially in a World Cup year. Several senior, high-profile players in the Spain national team believe it is necessary to communicate with Yamal about the matter.
