Carvajal on the Brink: Arbeloa Reshuffles Real Madrid’s Right-Back Line
12 February 2026
Carvajal's lean days are nearing their end.
Dani Carvajal has strong chances to start for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad on Saturday in La Liga, according to a Spanish press report.
Even if the seasoned right-back doesn't start, he is likely to feature as the match unfolds, signaling a real return to the coach's plans.
Marca, the Madrid-based newspaper, reported on Thursday that the first signs came after coach Álvaro Arbeloa decided to release young David Jiménez and send him back to Castilla to play against Athletic Bilbao's B team, despite starting against Valencia.
Meeting with Arbeloa
That left the first team with only two specialists on the right flank: Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The newspaper noted that Carvajal held a meeting with Arbeloa last Tuesday, during which any doubts about his readiness or impact were cleared, as the captain feels ready to help the side after ten matches in which he hardly featured although he was in the squad.
Carvajal only appeared against Alavés and Monaco under Arbeloa, while he looked upset at Mestalla when he didn't even warm up, as David Jiménez started and Trent came on for the last 15 minutes.
Marca added that sending Jiménez back to Castilla signals Arbeloa's belief in Arnold and Carvajal's readiness, with a more important test looming against Benfica next Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League's Round of 16.
The paper concludes that this is not the only move concerning the right-back position, as Arbeloa seems intent on anchoring Federico Valverde in central midfield, keeping him off the right flank except in emergencies.
Punchline 1: Carvajal's comeback is so expected that even the bench has his return on their group chat.
Punchline 2: Arbeloa's plan is tighter than my gym routine—somehow the defense and the jokes both stay in shape.
