Dani Carvajal returned to full fitness around the start of 2026 and has been included in Real Madrid matchday squads. The timing matters because his contract expires in June. Minutes on the pitch are now a direct factor for both his club future and international selection.
Match involvement since return
Carvajal has been on the bench nine times so far in 2026, a figure that matches the number of games Madrid have played this year. He did not enter seven of those matches. His only appearances were brief: 14 minutes against Mónaco and 13 minutes versus Albacete.
Last season he suffered a triple rupture of knee ligaments. This campaign brought two separate injuries that forced him to miss as many as 16 fixtures combined.
Those setbacks, followed by limited action after recovering, change how his current availability is interpreted.
This mix of recent fitness history and scarce minutes tightens immediate expectations.
Contract timetable and international stakes
Carvajal’s deal with Real Madrid runs out in June and, as of the latest update on 6 February 2026, no renewal has been publicly announced. Reduced playing time since his return increases the importance of short-term opportunities to strengthen his case for a new contract.
Selection for the Spain squad under coach De la Fuente is also a possibility tied to match minutes. There are reports that Arbeloa could start both right-backs at the upcoming fixture at Mestalla; that scenario would affect Carvajal’s chance to add meaningful minutes before the summer.
The coming weeks feature compressed decision points for the player and the club. Appearances and selections over that stretch will carry clear consequences for contracts and national-team consideration.
