"I write through tears" - Joselu sends message to Real Madrid star after ACL injury
Former Real Madrid striker Joselu has penned an emotional message to former teammate Dani Carvajal after he ruptured his ACL against Villarreal in LaLiga on Saturday, October 5. The veteran defender picked up the injury in the final minutes of the game.
Spanish champions Real Madrid have been unfortunate with injuries in recent seasons, but that has not stopped them from stacking up trophies and laurels. They were without the likes of Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, and Thibaut Courtois for the game against Villarreal, with all of them carrying an injury.
The club's first-choice at right-back for a decade now, Dani Carvajal began the game in his usual position and helped his side keep a shutout. In the 88th minute, however, the 32-year-old was left screaming and writhing on the turf in pain after a coming together with Yeremy Pino.
Carvajal was stretchered off the pitch afterwards and took to Instagram to confirm that he has, indeed, suffered cruciate ligament damage. Joselu replied with a comment that depicted his sadness at the news of Carvajal's injury.
"I write through tears and with the feeling that I would rather this happened to me. Now we have a road left that I know you will walk admirably, like everything you do. I love you brotherš¤ always with you. @dani.carvajal.2," he wrote.
Both Joselu and Carvajal were part of the Los Blancos squad that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 season. The pair then went on to win Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, as well.
Real Madrid won the game against Villarreal by a 2-0 scoreline despite injuries to Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. Goals from Federico Valverde (14') and Vinicius (73') sealed the win for them at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Carvajal joins list of Real Madrid players to suffer ACL injury
Experienced defender Dani Carvajal has become the latest Real Madrid star to rupture his anterior cruciate ligament, a source of worry for the club. The 32-year-old was confirmed to have picked up the injury after having to come off in tears against Villarreal.
In the 2023-24 season, Carlo Ancelotti lost the trio of Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba to ACL injuries at various points. This season, the club lost promising 16-year-old defender Joan Martinez (now 17) to an ACL injury during the side's pre-season tour.
With the injury to Carvajal, Real Madrid are left with former winger Lucas Vazquez as their only option to play in the right-back position. The 33-year-old veteran came on against Villarreal, and will start for the side, going forward.