Real Madrid veteran’s World Cup hopes rest in Arbeloa’s hands | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal is facing a defining phase in his season, with his chances of making Spain’s World Cup squad now closely tied to his role at Real Madrid.

According to Edu Pidal via Defensa Central, the situation is that only consistent minutes at the club level will put Carvajal back in control of his international future.

Explaining the selection scenario, Pidal highlighted how the right-back position could shift depending on Carvajal’s involvement in the coming weeks.

” If Carvajal gets consistent playing time at Real Madrid, he’ll go to the national team; Llorente will stay, and Pedro Porro will be left out,” he said.

A difficult season

Carvajal’s current struggles come from a mix of fitness issues and form. 

A recent muscle injury disrupted his rhythm, but beyond that, he has not looked at his usual physical level. 

On the pitch, he has found it difficult to match the intensity of opponents, which is a noticeable drop compared to his previous standards.

Carvajal’s World Cup dream is in Arbeloa’s hands. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

This dip has had direct consequences. The Real Madrid captain was left out of the latest Spain squad, with Luis de la Fuente opting for alternatives such as Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro.

Simply put, without regular minutes and improved performances, Carvajal risks missing out on what could be his final major international tournament.

So what now?

As a result, a lot now depends on Alvaro Arbeloa and whether he is willing to reintegrate Carvajal into the starting setup during the final stretch of the season. 

Increased playing time would not only help him regain form but also strengthen his case for selection.

For Carvajal, the World Cup represents a final opportunity to contribute on the biggest stage with Spain, and he is determined to fight for that place. 

At the same time, he is eager to finish his Real Madrid career on a positive note after years of service at the club.