De la Fuente's Carvajal Plans Revealed: Madrid Star Still in Spain's World Cup Picture

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is keeping the door wide open for Dani Carvajal’s return to the national team, with the Real Madrid defender firmly in his World Cup plans – provided he’s fighting fit.

Fitness the Only Concern

According to respected pundit Roberto Gómez on Radio MARCA’s ‘La Tribu’ programme, there’s absolutely no beef between the Spain gaffer and the Madrid right-back. The only potential stumbling block is Carvajal’s physical condition following his recent injury troubles.

“Luis de la Fuente counts on him whenever he’s physically well, and that’s the only issue,” explained Gómez, pouring cold water on suggestions of any deeper problems.

The situation is proper straightforward according to the insider:

• De la Fuente will make two preliminary squad lists before finalizing his World Cup selection
• Carvajal can “perfectly” make the cut if he’s playing and performing well
• The selection process is “very natural” with “absolutely nothing strange” about it
• Even Álvaro Morata is being given time to find his scoring boots

Medical Caution Makes Sense

Gómez also defended the cautious approach being taken by both club and country regarding Carvajal’s return to action. With the defender having suffered serious injuries with setbacks in the past, nobody’s rushing him back – and rightly so.

The pundit was crystal clear that De la Fuente selects on merit, not reputation: “If he’s not well, he won’t go. And if he’s well, of course he’ll go.”

Timing Raises Eyebrows

Interestingly, Gómez suggested the timing of this Carvajal debate isn’t coincidental, noting it’s emerged just as Real Madrid have closed the gap on Barcelona to a single point in the title race.

“They need to talk about something,” he remarked, implying the controversy might be a convenient distraction from Madrid’s improving form in La Liga.