Dani Carvajal ruled out of action with heart problem

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has unexpectedly been diagnosed with a heart problem and will be out of action for some time.

The 25-year-old has been forced out of Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture with Espanyol on Sunday due to the revelation and reports suggest he could be out for up to six weeks. 

Carvajal was recently named in Julen Lopetegui’s 26-man squad for Spain’s final two World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Israel next month but now has been omitted from the squad and will miss both ties.

Madrid confirmed the surprising news in a club statement at the weekend.

It read: ”Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal, he has been diagnosed with a viral pericardium infection. His recovery will continue to be assessed.’ 

The full-back has previously played every minute for Zinedine Zidane’s side in La Liga this season and played the whole 90 minutes in their Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. 

Madrid confirmed he has been diagnosed with a viral pericardium infection in a club statement

His setback won’t do Madrid any favours with the Spanish giants already trailing rivals Barcelona by seven points after six games in La Liga.

Earlier this month, Carvajal signed a two-year contract extension at the Bernabeu and admitted he has aspirations to captain the side in the future.

The 25-year-old played the whole game in the 3-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday

He said: ‘I’m very grateful to the club. I’ve been fortunate to win every title with Real Madrid, and I’m looking forward to winning them again.

‘I would be delighted [to captain the side]. The day that I leave, everyone knows that I have given everything for this club and that they are proud.’

Carvajal has represented Madrid 167 times, winning the Champions League three times along with La Liga and Copa del Rey titles.

Carvajal has now also been omitted from the Spain squad and will miss their upcoming games