After seven long months of frustration and recovery, Real Madrid’s veteran defender is finally ready to return to the pitch.
It’s been nearly seven months since that heartbreaking match where Dani Carvajal left the field in tears, carried off on a stretcher. Since then, he’s endured surgery, the pain of watching from the sidelines, a long and exhausting rehabilitation process, and countless hours of hard work. Now, he’s finally on the brink of making his return. In the meantime, Real Madrid has seen changes — a new coach, new playing styles, and new faces. And Carvajal, ever the professional, is ready to adapt. He’s willing to take on any role the team needs.
In the 2023-24 season, Carvajal enjoyed a dream run, helping Real Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League. He then shone again with Spain in their Euro triumph. But the new season brought a nightmare. On October 5, he suffered a serious injury during a match against Villarreal.
It was later revealed to be a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury — the kind that ends seasons.
After months of pain and perseverance, the 33-year-old has finally returned to training. He’s now pushing to make his comeback at the Club World Cup. Whether he’ll feature in the round of 16 clash against Juventus remains uncertain, but if Madrid progress, there’s a strong chance Carvajal will take the field in this tournament.
The experienced right-back is eager to return and, under the new coach’s tactics, ready to take on any position.
“The coach is really bringing tactical variety to the team. Just look at how he’s using Tchouaméni’s position… I’m also ready to play anywhere if needed — I can even stand between the posts. If I have to play center-back in a 3-5-2 formation, that’s fine with me.”
“In the past, I’ve played as a center-back, a left-back, even as a winger. I’ve always been ready to play wherever the coach needs me. I’m prepared to do anything to help the team.”
Real Madrid recently strengthened their defense by bringing in right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. That gives Carvajal a strong competitor for his usual position. The club also signed young Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, who has quickly impressed and almost cemented a spot in the lineup. In their opening Club World Cup match, the coach used a four-man defense, but switched to a back three in the following game against Salzburg, featuring Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Now fit and ready, Carvajal is simply waiting for his chance — and when it comes, he’s determined to give everything.
“On a personal level, I feel great. I’ve rejoined the team setup. I don’t know if I’ll be in the squad for the Juventus match, but I know myself well — if I get on the pitch, I’ll give my absolute all.”
“I’ll leave everything out there. No fear. My confidence is sky-high right now. Injuries are behind me. The only thing I need now is match rhythm — and that’ll come with game time.”
Carvajal’s comeback story is almost complete. All that’s left now is for him to step back onto the field — and he’s ready to fight for his place all over again.
