Real Madrid Stars Return From Injury Just in Time for Spanish Super Cup Battle
Physical setbacks have emerged as a significant concern for Real Madrid as they reach the midpoint of their campaign, though the sight of team captain Dani Carvajal returning to practice this week provided much-needed optimism as he works toward availability for next week's Spanish Super Cup.
Carvajal received arthroscopic treatment following a knee problem sustained during Real Madrid's El Clásico victory in late October. The experienced leader has been absent from action since that match, but rejoined squad training this week after 70 days of recovery from the procedure.
Hardly any players have endured more challenging injury circumstances than Carvajal recently. The veteran's 2025 campaign was completely derailed by serious physical problems, appearing in just 20 of Los Blancos' 93 matches since the 2025–26 season commenced, according to MARCA.
With summer acquisition Trent-Alexander Arnold also struggling with fitness problems throughout the period, Xabi Alonso has lacked his two primary right-back options for most of the season, compelling him to utilize players in unfamiliar positions—typically Federico Valverde—to cover the gap.
However, as 2026 commences, expectations are high that Carvajal will be prepared to rejoin the lineup when Real Madrid meets crosstown opponents Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal on Jan. 8. The returning skipper could boost Los Blancos' prospects of securing the season's opening trophy in Spanish football, while for Carvajal personally, it represents a valuable chance to regain his rhythm before the campaign's conclusion.
Six Crucial Months For Carvajal's Future
As the campaign's second phase approaches, Carvajal's destiny remains uncertain across several dimensions. His performance level from this point through season's end will significantly impact what unfolds during his career's final chapters.
After an outstanding 2023–24 campaign, Carvajal's physical troubles started when he suffered an ACL rupture in Oct. 2024, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024–25 term. Real Madrid renewed his deal one day following his setback, securing his services through summer 2026.
Carvajal has participated in merely nine competitive fixtures for Los Blancos since then, and with his 34th birthday approaching, he's now in his contract's final six months.
Should the club icon wish to continue his journey with the 15-time European champions, overcoming his persistent fitness struggles and recapturing his form becomes vital. Achieving this could earn him rewards far beyond contract extension.
When fit and performing well, Carvajal's selection as Luis de la Fuente's first-choice right-back for Spain in the 2026 World Cup appears virtually certain. Carvajal played a pivotal role in La Roja's 2024 European Championship success and remains among the leaders of a squad considered tournament favorites next summer.
Carvajal's comeback arrives at a pivotal moment. With his future highly uncertain, he possesses the remaining season to demonstrate his continued ability to excel consistently at elite level, as he has throughout most of his professional journey.