Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran back in group training ahead of Real Oviedo clash
Following their 2-0 loss to FC Barcelona over the weekend, Real Madrid returned to training today with still three games left to be played in the season.
There is nothing left to play for, for Alvaro Arbeloa & co., but they will hope to end the campaign on a strong note while some players will want to build form and momentum heading into the summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dani Carvajal back in group training
And, according to MARCA, Dani Carvajal is back. The Real Madrid captain returned to full group training during the team’s training session today ahead of their match against Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish full-back, who suffered a fracture to the distal phalanx of the little toe on his right foot, is doing everything possible to recover as early as possible.
The 34-year-old captain’s aim is to return in time for Real Madrid’s final home league match of the season against Athletic Club so that he can say goodbye properly to the supporters who have backed him for more than 13 years.
Carvajal, who first arrived at Real Madrid’s academy setup 22 years ago, picked up the injury during training at Valdebebas ahead of the match against Espanyol. At the time, the club estimated a recovery period of around two weeks.
That timetable would allow him to return in time for the home match against Athletic Club at the Bernabeu on the weekend of 23 May, or at least that is the player’s intention.
Carvajal’s contract expires on 30 June and will be on the move, with no extension being offered. In fact, Real Madrid are already planning a farewell tribute for their captain, who has only featured in 20 matches this season.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
