Real Madrid will not take risks with defensive duo at Club World Cup following lengthy absences | OneFootball

In over a week, Real Madrid will kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the USA, hoping to an end the 2024/25 campaign on a high.

It will also mark the first time that the team will play under new manager Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the La Liga campaign in May.

As has already been reported, Real Madrid are set to be boosted by the returns of key defensive duo – Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao – for the Club World Cup.

Minimal action, zero risk

However, according to journalist Jorge Picon, Real Madrid do not want to take any unnecessary risks with Carvajal and Militao in the tournament.

Both the defenders are returning after prolonged absence due to ACL injuries that required surgery. While the pair has started individual training, they are nowhere near fully ready to play regularly.

No unnecessary risks will be taken with Militao and Carvajal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

As such, Real Madrid’s plan is for Carvajal and Militao to travel to the USA for the Club World Cup but not play any minutes.

Instead, the Merengues wish to make use of the tournament to help the key defensive duo get back into rhythm and shape by training regularly with the rest of the squad.

The idea is for the Spanish and Brazilian internationals to get back into the swing of things so that they are at a 100% when the new season begins in August.

So, as things stand, it is unlikely that Carvajal and Militao will play much at the Club World Cup. With the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen secured, however, Real Madrid have cover in the positions.