As supporters follow BD Cricket Live updates alongside La Liga headlines, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal finds himself in an unfamiliar and troubling position. At 34, the decorated right back has unexpectedly faded into the background, watching recent matches from the bench without a single minute of action in the last five league games. With the 2026 World Cup just months away, a prolonged absence from competitive football could severely damage his hopes of earning a Spain call up.

The primary reason behind his sudden marginalization lies in a relentless cycle of injuries. Over the past year and a half, Carvajal has endured a series of serious setbacks. In October 2024, he suffered a devastating combination of ACL, lateral ligament, and hamstring tendon tears in his right knee, only returning to action in June 2025. Just a few months later, fresh muscle and knee problems struck again, keeping him sidelined until January this year. Such repeated interruptions have inevitably eroded both his physical sharpness and match rhythm. For a player whose game relies heavily on stamina and timing, regaining peak condition becomes an uphill battle.

Meanwhile, squad competition has intensified. Real Madrid’s right flank is no longer short of options. Emerging talent David Jimenez, a fully recovered Trent Alexander Arnold, and the versatile Federico Valverde can all operate effectively in that role. As depth increases and tactical flexibility expands, Carvajal’s once irreplaceable status has diminished. Age, combined with reduced explosiveness, has made it harder for him to hold off challengers.

Contract uncertainty adds another layer of concern. His current deal runs until the end of June, and history suggests Madrid rarely hesitate when it comes to moving on veteran players. Reports indicate that Carvajal understands the club’s operational philosophy and has mentally prepared for the possibility of departure. After thirteen years of loyal service, the prospect of parting ways with the Bernabeu feels bittersweet.

For the seasoned defender, the stakes could hardly be higher. Continued inactivity may not only close the door on one final World Cup appearance but also accelerate his exit from the club he has represented with distinction. As fans switch between BD Cricket Live coverage and transfer rumors swirling across Europe, the countdown to June intensifies. If no dramatic turnaround arrives, Carvajal may soon bid farewell to Madrid, marking the end of an era shaped by resilience, silverware, and unwavering commitment. In elite sport, sentiment rarely outweighs performance, and even legends must eventually confront that harsh reality.