Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal made his return to the squad in January after spending over two months out injured.
However, despite having been available for over a month now, the 34-year-old right-back has barely played for Los Blancos even though fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been unavailable.
Mystery around Carvajal’s condition
Instead, Federico Valverde has continued to operate as the makeshift right-back for Real Madrid.
Carvajal has been included in matchday squads for a month under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, having been called up again on 4 January against Real Betis.
Since then, Real Madrid have played nine matches in which the Spaniard has logged just 29 minutes across two appearances: 14 minutes vs Albacete in the Copa del Rey and 15 vs AS Monaco in the Champions League.
It has created a mystery around the club captain’s condition rather than offering clarity after his serious knee injury.
Why has Carvajal not been playing
Now, Abraham Romero of El Mundo has come forward with an extensive report shedding light on Carvajal’s situation.
At Valdebebas, the defender has repeatedly told teammates, coaches and directors that he feels well and “ready” to play more minutes. However, the club’s medical staff have urged greater caution.
Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid player
Carvajal has not been playing much of late. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Super Cup clashes against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona may have come too soon for Carvajal, but in recent weeks the full-back had been feeling much better.
He believed he could contribute, yet he has had to watch from the sidelines as his team stumbled against the likes of Albacete and Benfica.
It is because, over the past month, the club doctors have advised that the veteran star’s knee is still not prepared for sustained playing time, especially with midweek fixtures and the high demands involved.
Sunday’s clash against Valencia at Mestalla appeared to be his best opportunity so far, but with Real Madrid living in a situation where they cannot afford any slip-ups, coupled with Trent’s return to fitness, could hurt Carvajal’s chances again.
“He needs training sessions and minutes so that the knee gains mobility and strength,” admit sources close to the Madrid dressing room.
The situation not only affects Carvajal’s present, but could also have an impact on his future at Real Madrid, as his contract expires on June 30. It could also end up hurting his chances of playing at the World Cup.