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Arbeloa Holds Back Carvajal From Game Time Over Ongoing Fitness Concerns

Arbeloa says he will not risk the defender's return due to fitness concerns.

Overview

  • Real Madrid have named Dani Carvajal in recent squads but Álvaro Arbeloa has withheld minutes, including leaving him unused at Mestalla.
  • Carvajal voiced frustration after the Valencia match in a conversation on the pitch with fitness coach Antonio Pintus about his lack of playing time.
  • Since his return from a serious 2024 knee injury, he has logged only 27 minutes across 10 matches, with no league appearance in that span.
  • Carvajal is currently the fourth option at right-back behind Fede Valverde, academy product David Jiménez and the returning Trent Alexander-Arnold.
  • The situation carries added urgency with his contract expiring in June and Spain staff tracking his status as reports warn his World Cup place could be at risk.