Los 40 USA
NewslettersSign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

World Cup 2018 | Spain

Dani Carvajal back in with Spain squad ahead of Portugal opener

The Real Madrid full-back trained alongside the rest of his international teammates on Monday, which is the news Julen Lopetegui was hoping for as the World Cup looms.

Update:
El lateral derecho del Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal, entrenando con España.
Juan Flor

Great news for Julen Lopetegui as he welcomed back Dani Carvajal to full training with the Spanish national team squad on Monday, just four days before he sends his team out to face Portugal in the Group B opener.

Real Madrid's Carvajal back in time

The full-back is seen as a key member of the squad and one who would be expected to play in every game, fitness permitting. His injury during the Champions League final made him a doubt for Fifa's showpiece tournament but after treatment and work with physios. After missing the European Championships in 2016, the Real Madrid player was desperate not to be watching from the stands or TV this time around, although it is not yet clear whether he will be ready to start against Cristiano Ronaldo and co on Friday evening.

Dani Carvajal trains in Krasnodar.
Full screen
Dani Carvajal trains in Krasnodar.Javier EtxezarretaEFE

The player's recovery is not only important for the first team. It also has a knock-on effect for those players that were on standby for the Spanish squad. Assuming no regression, Julen Lopetegui will not now need to call up Jesús Vallejo (Real Madrid) or Rodri (Villarreal). If any serious problems do occur impacting on the fitness of Carvajal, or any other player, the manager has until 24 hours before kick-off in their first game to call in a substitute member of the squad.

ClassificationPTSWMTMLM
Full classification
Upcoming matches
Calendar