Real Madrid captain continuing his recovery with an eye on the Spanish Super Cup | OneFootball

Real Madrid have had to go through a difficult period over the past month or so, with performances and results not meeting expectations.

The situation has led to Xabi Alonso’s future at the club being questioned, with the upcoming Spanish Super Cup likely being the key in determining the 44-year-old tactician’s continuity.

Dani Carvajal targeting Super Cup return

That is why, Alonso will welcome the development surrounding captain Dani Carvajal, who is continuing his recovery from injury with an eye on the Spanish Super Cup, as per MARCA.

During the short Christmas break, while most of his teammates enjoy a few days of rest until 29 December, Carvajal continues his recovery process at Valdebebas, determined to shorten the timelines and be ready for the first commitments of 2026.

Carvajal has been out of action since late October, having had to undergo arthroscopy due to a problem in the meniscus of his knee, following which a recovery period of around ten weeks was set for the veteran.

Closing in on a return. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The 33-year-old right-back will be closing in on completing the said recovery period just as the new year rolls in, and he is working hard at the club to cut the timeline short and be prepared for Real Madrid’s early matches in 2026.

Carvajal has his sights set on the Spanish Super Cup, in particular, with Los Blancos set to take on Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals in Saudi Arabia.

Carvajal is a player whose importance at Real Madrid goes beyond what happens on the pitch. He is not only an elite right-back, but also a captain capable of lifting the group in difficult moments, of providing a voice and courage when the team needs it.

The veteran captain’s absence has been felt both on and off the field in recent weeks, and his return is being seen as a much-needed boost.

Real Madrid, for their part, prefer not to take risks and to allow Carvajal to recover his fitness safely. However, given how his recovery has progressed, there is a lot of optimism about his return in early 2026.