Carvajal's Nightmare

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is likely to miss the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ as he has not yet recovered from injury.

Real Madrid win their first match at the FIFA Club World Cup. In the early hours of June 23rd, Real defeated Pachuca 3-1 in their second match of Group F at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

The Spanish international will miss most of the 2024/25 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Carvajal aims to return to play at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. However, Spanish media suggest he is unlikely to feature in this year's tournament.

Coach Xabi Alonso does not want to take any risks with Carvajal. It is likely that the defender will continue his treatment and is not expected to return until the end of July, when Real Madrid prepares for their 2025/26 pre-season training camp.

In the 3-1 victory against Pachuca on the morning of June 23rd, coach Xabi Alonso employed a 4-4-2 formation, with Trent Alexander-Arnold playing right-back in place of Carvajal. This was also the optimal solution for "Los Blancos" while awaiting the return of the Spanish defender.

Previously, Alonso harbored ambitions of playing in a three-defender formation, with Carvajal playing as a right-sided centre-back, and Alexander-Arnold as a right-winger. The remaining two centre-back positions would be occupied by Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen.

Madridistas were impressed with Alexander-Arnold's creativity, but defensive issues remained a major question mark. One fan commented: "We shouldn't play high-pressing football like Barcelona; we'll concede goals easily, and Trent's defense is poor." Another agreed: "Trent doesn't know how to protect the far post. This defensive system is too easily exploited."

The victory against Pachuca puts Real Madrid at the top of Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ with 4 points, level with Salzburg but ahead on goal difference.

Source: https://znews.vn/con-ac-mong-cua-carvajal-post1562901.html