Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal doubtful for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals?
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid fullback Dani Carvajal was absent from the Valadebebas training ground on Monday afternoon as the team began preparing for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Will the Spaniard miss the tie?
He may have played the entire Madrid Derby, but Real Madrid’s starting right back Dani Carvajal was held out of training as a precaution as the team looked to the Copa del Rey match-up with Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
The good news, as reported by Marca, is that there is nothing too serious to worry about here. Carvajal went down grabbing his ankle after a harsh challenge during the 1-0 win over Atletico, but other than a bruise and a day off from practice, Dani is fine.
There is a very short turnaround between the Copa quarters and the 23rd matchday in La Liga as Real Madrid will travel to face Osasuna just two days after hosting Sociedad.
Therefore, it is crucial that key players like Dani Carvajal – who doesn’t have a like for like back-up – stay healthy with a congested schedule on the near horizon.
Must Read. The return of Real Madrid’s unsung hero, Lucas Vazquez. light
So, Dani worked with the Sanitas medical staff in the gym yesterday, but don’t expect him to miss another training session this week in preparation for the match at the Bernabéu.
In other good news, Eden Hazard trained for the fourth consecutive day and it is safe to say at this point that he will be included in the matchday squad. The Galactico signing of the summer has been out injured since late November and despite his absence, Real Madrid has not put a foot wrong.
Adding more firepower to this already in-form squad, Zinedine Zidane has to be happy with the health of his team and the way they have played since the start of 2020.
Next. Real Madrid can play it smart with Eden Hazard against Sociedad. dark
While Nacho Fernandez has proved a capable back-up at every position on the back line, there is no denying that Dani Carvajal is the best option playing on the right.
It will be very interesting to see if Zizou prioritizes the league over the Copa and tries to put Hazard or Marco Asensio out there for at least a cameo in the second half.