Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender’s imminent return to action generating ‘excitement’ at club
On 5 October 2024, Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal suffered a devastating knee injury – a torn cruciate ligament, damage to the lateral collateral ligament, and the popliteal tendon in his right leg.
The veteran defender underwent surgery and began a long rehabilitation process. The initial diagnosis projected an absence of eight to ten months. Now, he is on track to return at the shorter end of that timeline.
Indeed, Carvajal is poised to return next month when Real Madrid fly to the United States of America to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Carvajal’s return generating buzz at Real Madrid
Now, according to AS, there is strong optimism regarding Carvajal’s recovery and his imminent return is generating a lot of ‘excitement’ at Real Madrid.
The 33-year-old is one of Los Blancos’ most important players and his absence was dearly felt over the course of the season.
Naturally, his comeback to action next month is bound to bring in a boost of positivity for the Spanish capital giants as they embark on a new journey under manager Xabi Alonso.
Competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold
However, Carvajal is set to go head-to-head against imminent new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back role at Real Madrid.
The Merengues are working to secure the Englishman’s early release from Liverpool, which might cost them €5 million.
While Alexander-Arnold’s arrival will not be a pressing issue for the Club World Cup – Carvajal will be in the United States, but not as a starter – the real competition will begin next season, when both players are expected to be fully fit and raring to go.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
