The World Cup is casting an ever-lengthening shadow over the domestic season. From team selections to medical bulletins, its influence is all-pervading. In the scramble for a place in De la Fuente’s squad, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid provide two very different case studies: Gavi is enjoying a resurgence, while Dani Carvajal finds himself facing a daunting uphill struggle.

While the 'Blaugrana' midfielder looks poised for a full return to prominence—buoyed by the match fitness and confidence instilled by Hansi Flick—Alvaro Arbeloa appears to have placed his absolute trust in Trent Alexander-Arnold. Consequently, a lack of regular game time is beginning to jeopardise 'Los Blancos' captain’s hopes of featuring in the tournament.

Following a gruelling seven-month layoff with a serious knee injury, Gavi made his tentative return with a brief cameo against Barcelona-Sevilla. He followed that with more significant involvements against Atletico Madrid in both the league and the Champions League as he stepped up his rehabilitation. Since then, he has become an essential component of the side.

Five consecutive starts, including a pivotal role in orchestrating a Champions League quarter-final comeback—all within a frantic 17-day span—illustrate the 'Palaciego' midfielder’s current trajectory. This run of games underscores both his manager’s absolute belief and his own physical and mental resilience. It is a clear signal that he will be one of De la Fuente’s first names on the team sheet, having been so eagerly awaited.

The national team coach also wants to include Dani Carvajal, but the defender’s circumstances are increasingly bleak. Despite being free from injury since the Spanish Super Cup concluded in January, his role has shifted dramatically. While Xabi Alonso showed patience in helping him regain fitness, under Arbeloa, he has become a peripheral figure. He has been an unused substitute for 11 matches, made eight appearances from the bench, and started just four games, completing the full 90 minutes in only half of those.

The manager notably overlooked him for the high-stakes knockout tie against Bayern Munich and recently hinted at a fractured relationship with the captain during a particularly frosty press conference.

Gavi

Achievements