Real Madrid have been using a depleted squad for most of the ongoing Club World Cup so far. They have not had the players they need, and there are quite a few of them.
Xabi Alonso has done a great job since becoming Real Madrid's manager, but he has had to work with a few players from the academy and a couple of players out of position due to not having a bunch of players, who are important to his system, available.
These things are slowly changing, however.
Earlier, Kylian Mbappe was said to be fit for the match against Juventus on Tuesday. Alonso also announced that midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is very close to being fit and could feature in the Club World Cup in a few days.
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Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid's captain from next season, has just announced in a recent press conference that he is fit and available for selection from now.
He did not confirm or deny whether he will be in the squad for the game against Juventus, but Carvajal did mention that he is feeling good and is ready to play.
He said: "After nine months, I’m now ready to play again. I’m available. I feel very well, already in the rhythm of training with the group. Let’s see if I can be in the squad list tomorrow.”
It is certainly great news for Real Madrid fans and Alonso.
Despite signing new right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, there is a lot still left inside Carvajal. He is versatile enough to play multiple positions across the defensive line, and it is going to be interesting to see how Alonso uses him next season.
Carvajal has played as a central defender on occasion before, and he did hint on being open to doing that for Alonso if necessary. It will be interesting.