Dani Carvajal ready to 'play anywhere' for Xabi Alonso as he prepares for injury return under new Real Madrid boss

FBL-EUR-C1-REAL MADRID-PRESSER

Dani Carvajal is ready to play in any position under new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as the veteran Spanish full-back eyes a return to the Los Blancos squad after remaining sidelined with an ACL injury since last October. Carvajal rejoined Madrid training earlier this month and is now hopeful of getting game time under Alonso in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 2024-25 campaign proved to be a difficult season for Carvajal, who suffered an ACL injury during the club's La Liga victory over Villarreal in early October. The severe knee injury meant that the 33-year-old would miss the remainder of the season. The Spaniard recently returned to the pitch as he rejoined Madrid's training earlier this month, and he is looking to work on his recovery and stage a comeback in Los Blancos' squad.

FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-TRAINING-REAL MADRID

THE BIGGER PICTURE

As he watched new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso maintain an unbeaten record in the Club World Cup and qualify for the round of 16 stage, Carvajal heaped praise on the manager while claiming he is ready to play at any position under the Spanish coach. In the 2025-26 season, the Spain international will face stiff competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the club from English champions Liverpool this summer.

WHAT CARVAJAL SAID

Speaking to reporters, the full-back said: "The coach is bringing real versatility to the team with [Aurélien] Tchouameni's position. And I'll play anywhere, even in between the posts. I've played at centre-back, left-back, on the wing ... I'm always ready for anything the coach asks of me. I'm available to help out in any way I can.

"On a personal level, I feel great. I'm back in the group dynamics. I don't know if I'll be part of the squad tomorrow. I know myself and I know that if they bring me on, I'll give 100% out there. All out. No fear, confidence is sky high. This is all behind me now. I'm lacking match practice, I've only been back training with the group for a couple of weeks."

FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH48-SALZBURG-REAL MADRID

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

The 15-time Champions League winners will be back in action in the Club World Cup on Tuesday as they take on Juventus in the round of 16 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.