Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has laid down the gauntlet for Dani Carvajal after the Real Madrid captain was a surprise omission from the latest La Roja squad. The veteran defender faces a race against time to prove his fitness and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Spain going into the tournament as European champions.

Real Madrid apparently intends to offload some of its deadwood next summer.

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing for a ruthless squad clear-out this summer, with as many as six high-profile first-team stars, including defensive stalwarts and midfield prodigies, said to be on the chopping block.

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has publicly defended his decision to applaud Celta Vigo legend Iago Aspas during their recent La Liga encounter at Balaidos. Following a wave of unwarranted online criticism from a section of his own fanbase, the veteran defender took to social media to firmly remind supporters that basic sporting values and respect must always come first.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness could not have come at a more important time for Real Madrid, following the loss of Dani Carvajal to injury. It comes just a week before Los Blancos are due to face Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield, only five months after Alexander-Arnold decided to end a 20-year association with his boyhood team.