Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that one of his star players appeared to have suffered a “pretty serious” injury after the 2-0 win against Villarreal.

Los Blancos took all three points in their last three games for the first time, but the tie with arch-rivals FC Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table wasn't as pleasing as it should have been, with Dani Carvajal stretchered out Bernabeu cried in the second half.

Ancelotti confirmed that his right-back and Ballon d'Or candidate appears to have suffered a “pretty serious” knee injury.

“We will wait for the medical examination. The doctor said he has a knee injury, but we have to wait for the tests. Hopefully it will be as low as possible,” said the Italian.

“The dressing room is sad and worried, just like Dani. He is a very, very important player for us, fundamental for his experience, seriousness and professionalism. We will wait and see,” Ancelotti continued.

Ancelotti said that “it is not the day to talk about possible new signings” when asked if we would look for a replacement should Carvajal be ruled out for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season.

“We have great confidence in Lucas (Vazquez) and if we lose him we will look for someone in the squad to take on that role. I won't do it,” joked Ancelotti, a midfielder in his playing days.

Vinicius Jr also left the procedure early and Ancelotti said the Brazilian was “very injured” and would also have to undergo tests on Sunday.

As for his side's performance after the midweek 1-0 Champions League defeat at Lille, which ended a 36-game unbeaten run, Ancelotti said his men “played with order and attitude, without too much Intensity”.

“From 1-0 on, we led the game well and defended compactly. It could have been a trap and we got through it well,” explained Ancelotti.

With another international break now upon us, Madrid return to action against Celta Vigo in two weeks.