It has been over a month since Dani Carvajal returned to the Real Madrid squad after recovering from a knee injury that required him to undergo arthroscopic surgery.

However, in that time, the club captain has barely stepped onto the field, with his only two appearances coming as late cameos against Albacete and AS Monaco, amounting to less than 30 minutes.

On Sunday, despite being ready and available, Carvajal was overlooked by Alvaro Arbeloa as youngster David Jimenez started at right-back. Later on, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had only returned to the squad from an injury, came on as a substitute for the academy graduate.

The situation left Carvajal upset and frustrated and he was involved in tense talks with fitness coach Antonio Pintus after the game at Mestalla.

No conversations between Arbeloa and Carvajal

Now, according to journalist Edu Aguirre on El Chiringuito, the new Real Madrid head coach Arbeloa and club captain Carvajal ‘hardly talk’.

In fact, the report claims that there have been no explanations given to the 34-year-old right-back as to why he has not been playing.

Carvajal, for his part, believes that he is fit and ready to play and naturally is frustrated by the situation he currently finds himself in.

As mentioned earlier, Carvajal has played only two times since his return in January. He has not played in even one La Liga match during Arbeloa’s tenure as head coach.

The former defender turned manager had largely relied on Federico Valverde at right-back until Sunday, when he turned to young Jimenez and Trent later on.

Talking about Carvajal’s situation after the game, Arbeloa insisted that the 34-year-old right-back was an important member of the team but still needed to work his way back to full fitness.

“I’ll be very clear. I’m seeing Dani improve in training day by day. Gradually. Obviously, I’m not going to take any risks,” he said.

“The players need to have a reference like him in the dressing room, and I’m sure he’s going to find his best form. With the patience and effort we’re putting in and his dedication, I’m confident that he’s getting closer to regaining his relevance.”