Dani Carvajal is not giving up on his dream of competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Real Madrid right-back continues his determined recovery from a serious knee injury.
The Spanish international has missed the majority of the 2024/25 season due to an ACL tear and other significant complications with his knee. Despite the setback, Carvajal remains optimistic about returning to action in time for the prestigious tournament.
Encouragingly, Carvajal has already been included in Real Madrid’s provisional squad traveling to the United States. His final inclusion, however, will depend on his fitness closer to the event.
Initially, reports from Diario Sport indicated that Carvajal had not yet fully recovered. Medical staff and head coach Xabi Alonso are reportedly cautious about rushing him back into action, wary of the risks involved.
As a contingency, the club has considered focusing his recovery efforts on being fully fit for the 2025/26 season. Still, Carvajal appears to have set his sights on an earlier return.
"I feel really good and have been training with the team again. I’m not sure if I’ll be in the squad against Juventus or on the bench — that’s up to the coach. But I’m very happy," Carvajal told Mundo Deportivo.
The 32-year-old defender admitted that he has endured the most difficult phase of his recovery. Now, he feels mentally and physically prepared to return to the pitch.
He acknowledged that regaining match fitness will take time, but that hasn’t dampened his confidence or determination.
"From day one, I understood this would be a long-term injury and that I’d have to go through each phase patiently. It’s been nearly nine months, and I’m ready to compete. I know that once I’m cleared to play, I’ll give 100%," Carvajal stated confidently.
