Real Madrid Dani Carvajal is facing a minimum of two months on the sidelines following the discovery of a heart condition, say reports in Spain.
The Spanish international has pericarditis – viral infection affecting the membrane enclosing his heart, which is incredibly rare and difficult to treat.
Marca say the 25-year-old will miss a minimum of two months while El Mundo Deportivo report an ‘indefinite period’ of time before he is back in action.
The right-back must not exercise over this recovery period to allow his heart a full opportunity to recover with high-intensity work a risk to his health.
A statement from the club over the weekend 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 symptoms of pericarditis can be similar to a heart attack when particularly serious but more often are represented by the sudden onset of sharp chest pain.
Carvajal only recently signed a new contract with Madrid until June 2022 and joins a growing injury list that already includes Karim Benzema and Theo Hernandez.
Achraf Hakimi took his place for the victory over Espanyol and he will be given the opportunity to continue in the Spanish international’s absence.