Dani Carvajal has made 448 appearances for Real Madrid over 13 years and is a legend at the club, but his time there appears to be over following his latest injury blow
Felix Keith
18:04, 04 May 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold wants to be Real Madrid's right-back for years to come
Trent Alexander-Arnold wants to be Real Madrid's right-back for years to come(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold's position as Real Madrid's preferred right-back has been strengthened following suggestions that Dani Carvajal may have made his last appearance for the Spanish team.
Real superstar Carvajal has sustained a fractured foot, and with the campaign drawing to a close and his deal running out, he could face departure. He has broken the fifth toe on his right foot and is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks.
The 34-year-old was absent from Sunday's 2-0 victory at Espanyol and now faces an uphill battle to feature again before the season concludes. Injuries have plagued his campaign, with knee and muscular issues restricting him to merely 20 outings in all competitions.
READ MORE: Arne Slot error proves costly as Liverpool and Man Utd reality clear - 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher reveals long-term Liverpool 'worry' as he calls for summer transfer action
Alexander-Arnold has featured 27 times in 2025-26 following his switch from Liverpool and is establishing himself as a regular starter.
Carvajal has turned out 448 times for Real during a 13-year association with the club, having also progressed through their youth system. He is regarded as a legendary figure at the Bernabeu, but it appears his tenure there is nearing its conclusion.
His age and fitness concerns mean Real has no intention of extending his contract, which runs until the end of June. Marca reports that his latest setback "effectively ends his career" in Madrid, with any prospect of making Spain's World Cup squad now also gone.
Dani Carvajal is likely to leave Real Madrid
Dani Carvajal is likely to leave Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
However, following the victory against Espanyol, Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa commented: "I'm really hoping he can play before the end of the season, that he can recover and finish the season playing on the pitch, which is what Dani Carvajal deserves, right?"
Real faces a summer of transition as a lackluster campaign draws to a close without silverware. Arbeloa, who took the reins from Xabi Alonso in January, appears likely to be shown the door, with Jose Mourinho among those being touted as potential successors.
Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold seems assured of retaining his status as the club's first-choice right-back.
The defender has registered five assists this term and will be keen to avoid the fitness problems that have hindered him in 2026-27.
The 27-year-old has been sidelined for 22 matches this season through injury and looks doubtful for England's World Cup squad. Thomas Tuchel omitted him from recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in April, favoring alternative options in that role.
Article continues below
Alexander-Arnold responded to his exclusion by sharing "Madrid, nothing else" on Instagram, a reaction Tuchel deemed "fair enough."
Explaining his selection choices, he stated: "It was a slightly different profile of players who were with us in camp and who performed so well.
"We just stick to these guys that is on his back and maybe he was with us in June and he should have maybe deserved a second chance. It is a very hard decision. I'm aware of it, but yeah, he took it on his chin. He will keep on going."