Real Madrid veteran backed by NT coach for World Cup squad despite lack of minutes: ‘Very important asset’ | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal’s place in Spain’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup has become a growing talking point, especially because of his limited role at the club level. 

The experienced right-back, once an automatic starter, is now fighting for minutes, and that has naturally raised questions about his international future.

With the tournament approaching, all eyes have turned to Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, the man who will make the final call. 

Many expected him to keep his cards close to his chest, but the coach chose a more direct approach when asked about Carvajal’s situation.

Important player for Spain

De la Fuente made it clear that, despite the lack of recent action, the defender is still very much in his plans. 

He spoke about the importance of experienced players who are returning from injuries and the value they bring to the squad.

“Carvajal, like other players who have been injured and are in the process of recovery, is a very important asset, and we want to count on them. 

Dani Carvajal is struggling for minutes at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Hopefully, we will all be healthy because it is better to make decisions from there,” said the coach as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

While that message offers some comfort, Carvajal’s reality at the club level paints a very different picture. 

Since returning from injury earlier this year, the 34-year-old has struggled to get meaningful minutes. 

Lack of playing time

Over the last month, he has featured for just 27 minutes across two matches, against Albacete and AS Monaco.

The situation became even more difficult in the recent clash against Valencia, where Alvaro Arbeloa opted to start youngster David Jimenez at right-back. 

Later in the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had also just come back from injury, was chosen off the bench instead of Carvajal.

That decision reportedly left the veteran full-back frustrated and upset. The timing only adds to the tension, as this is a contract year for him, and his position in Spain’s World Cup squad is far from guaranteed.