Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has said that defender Dani Carvajal could still be included in the World Cup squad, but the right-back must prove his fitness and form after suffering a foot injury in training with Real Madrid last week.

“Carvajal is a very important figure in our dressing room,” De la Fuente said on Wednesday. “I actually spoke with him yesterday, so I’m aware of what’s going on. He doesn’t have a specific injury, nothing serious, but he needs time to get back to his usual level.”

De la Fuente added that Carvajal, who made just one appearance for Spain in 2025, would understand if he was left out of the squad for the World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Spain begin their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, also facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

The 34-year-old is approaching the final weeks of his contract with Real Madrid and has struggled for game-time this season amid competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold. He joins a list of players who have sustained injuries in the weeks prior to the World Cup, including Spanish teammate Lamine Yamal.

De la Fuente concluded: “We’ll see in the remaining matches whether he truly gets the opportunity and delivers the performances.” The decision on Carvajal’s inclusion will depend on his recovery and form in the coming weeks.

Source: www.aljazeera.com