The future of Dani Carvajal seemed to be a given earlier in the season, as he came back from his cruciate ligament injury. However fast-forward six months, and the veteran’s role is more in doubt than ever.

At 34 years of age, coming back from such a serious knee issue was never going to straightforward, but it could hardly have gone much worse. After several weeks of building up his fitness at the start of the season, he looked ready to play n go, and the narrative was that he would be retaining his starting spot ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. A muscle injury then ruled him out for six weeks, and shortly after returning a second time, another in October left him with just 470 minutes in 10 appearances all year.

Carvajal has actually been fit for the past six weeks, but manager Alvaro Arbeloa has used him for a grand total of only 65 minutes since he took over. A run that caused tension between the two, although seemingly the former teammates have not resolved their issues – it remains to be seen whether Arbeloa will alter his use of them. Nevertheless, at the start of the season, the line from Valdebebas was that Carvajal would be given the freedom to choose his future. Now, the line is that he almost certainly won’t be able to.

It is easy to see why Real Madrid, a club famously ruthless with their veterans, would consider letting Carvajal go at the end of his contract this summer. Even if he isn’t one of the big earners in the side, he does still earn good money, and if he cannot be available for most of the season, his utility doesn’t add up to his wages. Equally, there is an argument to be made that Carvajal is a progress-stopper for any other young player they can bring through or sign, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is already installed as his long-term replacement.

On the other hand, one of the criticisms of this Real Madrid side has been a lack of leadership, something that Carvajal provides more than any other of their current players. He is also one of few academy products in the side, and increasingly few from their European runs. If he can get back to his best, he remains one of the best at his position too. Keeping him around could benefit a young team, and an Alexander-Arnold who is yet to settle. If he can stay available.