Dani Carvajal’s participation in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad is under scrutiny after a right foot injury forced him to miss recent games. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has not ruled out the possibility of Carvajal making the final cut for the tournament but emphasized that the Real Madrid right-back must prove both his fitness and form.
Carvajal, who has struggled with injuries this season, is facing a race against time to be ready for Spain’s World Cup campaign, which begins on June 11, 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Carvajal’s Injury Concerns
De la Fuente acknowledged that Carvajal, a key figure in Spain’s defense, is not yet fully fit after picking up a right foot injury in training. Speaking to the press, Luis de la Fuente noted that while Carvajal does not have a specific injury and the issue is not serious, he still requires time to get back to his usual level of performance.
“We’ll see in the remaining matches whether he truly gets the opportunity and delivers the performances we expect,” De la Fuente added.
Carvajal, 34, has made just one appearance for Spain in 2025 and has struggled for game time this season at Real Madrid, particularly with competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back spot.
De la Fuente’s Thoughts on Carvajal’s Importance
De la Fuente reiterated that Carvajal is a vital player for Spain but emphasized that he must show the necessary form to justify a spot in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“Carvajal is a very important figure in our dressing room,” de la Fuente said. “I actually spoke with him yesterday, so I’m aware of what’s going on. He doesn’t have a specific injury, nothing serious, but he needs time to get back to his usual level.”
The manager’s comments suggest that the veteran defender still has a chance to feature in the World Cup, but only if he can regain match fitness in time for the tournament.
World Cup Preparations for Spain
Spain’s World Cup preparations are well underway, with the team set to begin their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026. They will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H, with Carvajal’s availability critical for Spain’s defense as they aim to contend for the prestigious trophy. (reuters.com)
If Carvajal does not recover fully or fails to regain his form, Spain may need to consider alternative options for the right-back position. However, De la Fuente has suggested that the 34-year-old’s vast experience and leadership could prove valuable if he can get back to peak performance.
What’s Next for Carvajal?
Carvajal faces a challenging period to prove his readiness for the World Cup. With Spain’s final World Cup squad due to be announced shortly before the tournament, the coming weeks will be crucial for Carvajal as he battles to regain fitness and secure his place in the squad.
As Spain prepares for their World Cup campaign, Carvajal’s recovery and subsequent form will be one of the key talking points in the lead-up to the tournament.
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