😤 Dani Carvajal on a mission for the Supercopa de España | OneFootball

Real Madrid faces its first major challenge of 2026 with news that brings optimism to Valdebebas: the imminent return of Dani Carvajal for the Spanish Super Cup.

After months of uncertainty and a meticulous recovery process, the white captain has returned to the pitch with the group, aiming directly at the tournament to be held in Jeddah.

The road for Carvajal to reach this point has not been easy. After undergoing arthroscopy on his right knee last October to correct a joint problem, the Leganés native has had to manage his timing. This procedure was performed on the same joint that suffered that serious injury in 2024, which forced the medical staff to proceed with extreme caution. However, his progress in the last weeks of December has been remarkable, allowing him to rejoin Xabi Alonso’s sessions just in time for the trip to Saudi Arabia.

From a tactical standpoint, Carvajal’s return is a godsend for the Basque coach’s system. With the confirmed absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right flank had been left without a true specialist, forcing a reshuffle or reliance on youth players during high-pressure moments. The captain’s return allows Madrid to regain defensive solidity and that incisive depth down the wing that so greatly relieves the midfielders’ interior play. Carvajal brings a balance that goes beyond the physical; he provides positional authority.

📸 Denis Doyle - 2025 Getty Images

In short, the 2026 Spanish Super Cup could be the stage for the ultimate redemption of a player who has been heavily punished by injuries since winning EURO 2024. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Denis Doyle - 2025 Getty Images