La Liga
Dani Carvajal is going through one of the most delicate moments of his time at Real Madrid. The decision of Álvaro Arbeloa to return the starting spot to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Champions League leaves him marked.
Against Osasuna, the full-back did not offer the expected level. In a high-pressure LaLiga context, his performance fell well below what Real Madrid demands. The coach had backed him after weeks of doubt. However, his response on the field did not convince and has led to an immediate shift in plans.
The feeling within the white club is clear: the captain is no longer untouchable. And that, at Real Madrid, marks a turning point.
Álvaro Arbeloa distances himself from Dani Carvajal
Álvaro Arbeloa does not want to compromise the team again for sentimental reasons. After the recent stumble, he has chosen to prioritize performance over hierarchy. In the dressing room, they understand that the coach must look out for the collective. The starting position of Dani Carvajal is no longer guaranteed based on his career.
Arbeloa himself had tried to support the full-back after a tense episode weeks ago. But facts on the field have weighed more than intention. In the Champions League, the choice will be clear. Real Madrid needs defensive reliability and offensive depth, aspects that Carvajal does not consistently provide today.
The impact of the injury and the demands of LaLiga
The serious knee injury suffered a year and a half ago changed the player's course. Returning to the top level in LaLiga is not easy, especially at 34 years old. Dani Carvajal has lost explosiveness and reaction capacity. Against Osasuna, he was exposed in several instances that highlighted his lack of competitive rhythm.
Real Madrid is aware of the accumulated physical wear and tear. Age and the intensity of the schedule take their toll in such a demanding competition. The coaching staff values his experience, but the priority is to compete at the highest level. In this context, Álvaro Arbeloa's confidence has weakened.

The contractual future at Real Madrid
Dani Carvajal's contract expires in just four months. The possibility of not renewing no longer seems far-fetched. The club believes it's better to close cycles in time. The captain's history is written in golden letters, but the present raises doubts.
If Álvaro Arbeloa had to choose today between tactical alternatives, even the option of converting another player would be viable before betting on him. Internal competition is fierce. In Real Madrid, there are no guaranteed spots when performance declines.
Dani Carvajal wants to continue, but he knows he must significantly improve. The World Cup also appears on the horizon as personal motivation. However, Arbeloa has made it clear that he will not manage lineups thinking about international commitments. The focus is exclusively on the club.
It's time for Real Madrid to take a step forward
In LaLiga, every mistake matters. The recent defeat raised worrying signals about the state of the full-back. Real Madrid faces a decisive stretch of the season. The bet will be on those in physical and mental peak condition.
Carvajal can still offer occasional minutes. But his role seems destined for the bench unless there is a drastic change in performance. The generational transition is a reality in the squad. Symbols must also adapt to that process.
If there is no immediate reaction, Dani Carvajal could be experiencing his last months as a Real Madrid player, with Álvaro Arbeloa's lack of confidence as a clear sign of the end of a cycle.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El futbolista que Arbeloa quiere fuera del Real Madrid
