Twenty days before De la Fuente announces his official squad (May 25), the biggest unknown surrounds Dani Carvajal. It’s not the only issue, but one of the most significant—because of the player’s stature. He’s more than just a footballer; he’s a locker room leader. Yet he needs continuity. Once the fissure in the distal phalanx of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot heals, he must play. At least that much. Because a lack of match fitness complicates his spot with Spain.
This reality was laid bare by Luis de la Fuente during the presentation of Carvajal’s autobiography, *”La vida se entrena cada día”*: “He’s a captain in capital letters. I spoke with him yesterday. He needs time to show the level he has.” The door remains neither open nor closed. Carvajal stays a World Cup mystery.
Much depends on Real Madrid. The ball is in the club’s court—including his contract renewal, which expires on June 30. “We’ll see if he can prove it and get the opportunity,” the coach added. This scenario echoes what AS detailed months ago, revealing a call from the Spanish football federation in March. The message was one of calm and confidence, but also the need for game time. Now the situation hasn’t changed, only the remaining time.
**Countdown**
In the best-case scenario, Carvajal would return to action against Sevilla. That would be the penultimate league matchday, before closing the season against Athletic Bilbao. That would give him just two games, but it doesn’t dent the captain’s belief. In fact, Madrid’s medical staff advised him to stop to prevent the foot fissure from worsening, because the Leganés native wanted to push through. He aimed to keep the World Cup flame as alive as possible. It’s not out, but it’s growing dimmer.
**17 Minutes Per Night**
Compounding matters is that, when fit, the right-back chosen by Arbeloa has been Trent Alexander-Arnold. For big matches and smaller ones alike. Since returning from a knee injury, Carvajal has logged 442 minutes in 26 games—just 17 minutes per match. This fueled a debate that Arbeloa initially left simmering, then tried to douse, but the foot injury has now put it on hold.
De la Fuente made it clear there would be no rift. Their relationship is built on trust and honesty. “Just as I brought him into the national team in the past, he’ll understand if I have to make the opposite decision. I hope he recovers and regains his level, because we’d all be happy.” Whatever happens, to make the World Cup, Carvajal needs to play. And time is not on his side…
*De la Fuente: “Carvajal is a captain in capital letters; I spoke with him yesterday”*
*Real Madrid: Carvajal remains focused on the World Cup despite injury*