According to reports from the Spanish newspaper “AS”, a significant rift has emerged in recent weeks between Dani Carvajal, the captain of Real Madrid, and his coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. The core of the dispute stems from the defender’s perceived lack of involvement in matchday squads, despite being medically cleared to play.
The situation reached a critical point following Real Madrid’s latest fixture against Valencia. Carvajal, left on the bench in favor of the young substitute David Jiménez, reportedly engaged in a heated conversation with fitness coach Pintos after the match at the Mestalla, a clear indication of his growing frustration. This incident underscored the tension that has been building since his return to the squad list on January 4th against Betis, a period during which he has accumulated a mere half-hour of playing time.
A Medical Journey to London
Seeking definitive clarity on his physical condition, Carvajal recently traveled to the British capital, London, to undergo examinations at a world-renowned specialized clinic. The tests, which he passed successfully, were focused on assessing the state of his right knee. This concern originated in October of last year when the player was forced to halt his activities due to the presence of a “loose joint body“.
The medical report, subsequently conveyed by the six-time Champions League winner to Real Madrid’s medical staff overseen by Arbeloa, confirmed that the issue has been completely resolved. Consequently, the trip to London effectively dispelled any lingering doubts within the club regarding the “joint body” that had previously caused apprehension. With the results affirming his full readiness to compete, Carvajal’s understanding of Arbeloa’s recent team selections has diminished significantly.
Simultaneously, maintaining open lines of communication, Carvajal continues his dialogue with Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the Spanish national team. These discussions are taking place with a sense of urgency, as merely 120 days remain until the commencement of “La Roja’s” campaign in the World Cup hosted across America, Mexico, and Canada.
Fully aware that De la Fuente requires players who are participating regularly in weekly matches, Carvajal places immense value on representing Spain, viewing it as a great honor. This upcoming global tournament potentially marks his final appearance on the international stage, a fact that intensifies his determination to reclaim a starting position at his club at the earliest opportunity. Thus, the Real Madrid captain finds himself in a race against time, striving to secure his place both for his club and his country as the World Cup countdown begins in earnest.