Realmadrid.com has reported that Dani Carvajal sustained a serious injury when he collapsed clutching his leg vs. Atlético Madrid yesterday.

Following the tests carried out today on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Sanitas medical team he has been diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring injury in his right leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed.

This is a serious development and could seriously hamper Real Madrid’s season at its most crucial point. With a potential Champions League final on the horizon and four league “finals” left to contest, Zidane must figure out how to most adequately replace Carvajal’s reliable presence down the right flank. Danilo has had a decent season and has experienced some recent good form that he hasn’t gotten credit for, but there is no doubt that he is still mistake-prone and a clear step below Carvajal’s quality.

Sources within Real Madrid told Managing Madrid that they are hoping to get Carvajal back for a potential Champions League Final.

It is also unclear whether Zidane completely trusts the Brazilian, as Danilo was left out of the Champions League squad vs. Atléti in favor of Nacho, who came on for the injured Carvajal.

Regardless of who the manager chooses to replace the world’s best right back, the person stepping up needs to rise to the occasion, as they will play a key role in determining the outcome of the season.