Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed concerns regarding Dani Carvajal’s status with the team, attributing the preference for Trent Alexander-Arnold in recent weeks to “sporting reasons.” This decision comes against the backdrop of Carvajal’s struggles with injuries this season, including a knee issue that kept him sidelined for over two months. Consequently, his position on Spain’s 2026 World Cup roster is now uncertain, particularly given Alexander-Arnold’s ascent in the lineup.
After Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Alaves, Arbeloa addressed inquiries about Carvajal’s omission. He emphasized his focus on team dynamics, prompting media speculation regarding his relationship with the seasoned player. Arbeloa responded to the situation at a press conference prior to Madrid’s matchup against Real Betis on Thursday, asserting his commitment to prioritizing the team’s best interests.
“The answer I provided was concise and serious,” Arbeloa stated. “I considered the question misplaced. My ongoing dialogue about Dani Carvajal has always been thorough, and the players can attest to my appreciation for him.”
Arbeloa strongly defended Carvajal, stating he is fully capable of contributing to the national team at the World Cup. “He has consistently performed well for us,” he noted. “Dani is pivotal in both his on-field play and his leadership off the pitch, and he deserves recognition for his roots in our club’s esteemed academy.”
Addressing the competitive landscape, Arbeloa acknowledged that Carvajal faces formidable rivals like Marcos Llorente, who has excelled with Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham’s Pedro Polo ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Recently, Alexander-Arnold has showcased impressive form, starting key matches against Manchester City, Mallorca, Bayern Munich, and Alaves, in contrast to Carvajal’s appearances against Elche, Atletico Madrid, and Girona.
“There’s no question about the level Trent is demonstrating,” Arbeloa remarked. “He has earned his position. Even in Carvajal’s absence, he has been performing admirably. I am not inclined to allocate minutes arbitrarily.”
As Carvajal approaches the final months of his contract with Madrid, set to expire in June, his long-term future remains ambiguous. Arbeloa emphasized that any matters concerning Carvajal’s situation will ultimately be between him and the club. “What I can say is that Dani has been an invaluable asset to our team, and I wish for the best for him and the organization,” Arbeloa concluded.
In light of other developments, Arbeloa laughed off rumors surrounding star forward Kylian Mbappé’s engagement with an Instagram post speculating about the potential return of former manager Jose Mourinho to Madrid this summer. “I’ll refrain from commenting on that,” Arbeloa said. “It doesn’t matter to me if the subject seems to be Mourinho or Julia Roberts.”
