Carvajal: The Final Battle Before Leaving Real Madrid?

As Real Madrid navigates a challenging period, the absence of one key player has been keenly felt in the dressing room. Dani Carvajal, the last survivor of the historic Decima team, is a revered figure at the club. His leadership and resilience are crucial during tough times, and his anticipated return to training at Valdebebas is a beacon of hope for fans and teammates alike.

Carvajal has been sidelined since October 26 due to a right knee dislocation. His initial target for a comeback aligns with the upcoming Supercopa de España, where he hopes to make a significant impact. The winter break could provide much-needed recovery time for the squad, which has been plagued by injuries to key defenders such as Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and Huijsen. Coach Xabi Alonso has expressed concern over these defensive shortcomings, particularly as his team grapples with mounting pressure from ongoing injuries.

The Importance of Carvajal’s Return

The return of a seasoned leader like Carvajal is highly anticipated, especially given the underwhelming start to the season for his rival, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alonso acknowledged the risks associated with heavy playing minutes, stating, “It’s not just one factor; with increased minutes comes an elevated risk of injury. We’ve seen that with Militão recently.” The coach emphasized the need for creativity in addressing these challenges while commending the effort from his players during this tough stretch.

Future Prospects and Potential Departures

While Carvajal’s imminent return is promising, the Madrid coaching staff is handling his situation with utmost caution. The priority remains ensuring he regains peak fitness without rushing back into action. Internally, his comeback is viewed as a vital energizer for the squad as they aim to turn their season around. However, speculation looms about Carvajal’s future beyond this season. Reports from Jorge Picon suggest that his time at Real Madrid may be nearing its conclusion, with Qatar emerging as a likely destination—particularly given his friendship with Joselu.

With an illustrious career that includes every major trophy in Europe—Champions League titles, La Liga championships, Copa del Rey victories, UEFA Super Cups, and more—Carvajal finds himself at a crossroads. His contract expires in July 2026, and while decisions will be made regarding his future then, indications suggest he may lean towards a departure rather than an extension. Historically, Real Madrid tends to avoid renewing contracts for players over 30 unless they are club legends.

As he contemplates this next chapter in his career—possibly in a less demanding environment like Qatar—Carvajal remains focused on helping Real Madrid reclaim its status among Europe’s elite. With just six months left on his contract and aspirations for one final trophy with the club close to his heart, each match becomes increasingly significant. This looming farewell could mark the end of an era for the last standing member of the Decima squad.

Looking ahead, Carvajal’s sights are also set on representing Spain in the 2026 World Cup. Having already secured victories in Euro 2024 and the 2023 Nations League, he dreams of lifting that elusive trophy—the only one missing from his storied collection.