London Run Sparks Tensions Between Carvajal and Arbeloa

London medical update and Madrid’s lineup questions

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is racing against time to rejoin the World Cup squad.

According to AS, the Spaniard passed a medical in London last week to reassess his knee condition at a world-renowned clinic.

The report sent to the club's medical staff, led by Álvaro Arbeloa, said the issue had been fully resolved after an October setback caused by a loose body in his right knee.

AS also noted ongoing talks between Carvajal and Luis de la Fuente, Spain's coach, just 120 days before the World Cup begins in North America.

As he regains his rhythm, Carvajal is finding it hard to reclaim a starting spot at Madrid; since his return on January 4 against Betis, he has logged only about half an hour.

World Cup countdown and rotation drama

The situation gave rise to tension after he remained on the bench in the latest Valencia match, replaced by the young David Jiménez, and a heated exchange with the fitness coach Bento after the Mestalla game raised concerns.

The London trip reportedly quieted doubts about the 'loose body,' with tests confirming full readiness to play, leaving Carvajal puzzled by Arbeloa's recent rotation decisions.

With the World Cup countdown underway, Spain's coach needs players who play regularly, a factor Carvajal understands well as he aims to honor the national team's pride and push to feature in the starting XI.

As the tournament approaches, Carvajal's return would be a boost for Madrid and Spain, especially if his form is matched by continuity on the pitch.

Punchline: They say patience is a virtue; Carvajal would beg to differ—he'd settle for a starting shirt and a seat next to the coach.

Punchline 2: If the World Cup is a game of chess, Madrid's bench is playing three‑dimensional checkers—lots of moves, but the king still sits in the same corner.