Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has publicly backed veteran right-back Dani Carvajal’s inclusion in the national team’s World Cup squad, despite concerns over the Real Madrid player’s limited playing time this season. The situation highlights a growing anxiety among national team coaches as the tournament approaches, with established stars across Europe facing uncertainty over their places due to injury and lack of consistent form.
De la Fuente, speaking after the Nations League draw, acknowledged Carvajal’s frustration with a lack of minutes under Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa, but emphasized the 34-year-old’s value to the national setup. “Whether he plays or not, that’s another matter that’s not my concern,” de la Fuente told Cadena SER. “But Dani is a sure thing; we know what he’s like and, if he’s meant to be there, he’ll be. Now what’s needed is for him to get playing time and regain his confidence.” He added that, even fully fit, Carvajal’s inclusion isn’t automatic, stating, “When Dani is healthy, he’s one of the players who offers me the most guarantee. Now, that doesn’t mean that, even if he’s healthy, he has to come, because there may be other players who are in better form.”
Carvajal’s situation is not isolated. Across Europe’s major footballing nations, established players are battling to prove their fitness and form ahead of the World Cup. In Brazil, the fitness of Neymar remains a key concern for coach Carlo Ancelotti, with the forward’s recurring physical problems and the emergence of other attacking options complicating his potential return to the squad. Paulo Dybala of Argentina is also facing an uphill battle, with injuries hindering his ability to secure a consistent starting role at Roma and potentially ruling him out of the upcoming Finalissima.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is grappling with similar issues, particularly regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold. Hampered by injuries at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Tuchel, with Reece James and Tino Livramento currently ahead in the pecking order. Conor Gallagher, who moved to Tottenham to gain playing time, is also facing uncertainty as his new club struggles. Further complicating matters for Tuchel, Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury after a winter move from Barcelona to Girona has cast doubt on his availability for Germany.
Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala is working his way back from a serious injury sustained at the Club World Cup, but faces stiff competition for a place in Vincent Kompany’s squad. Colombia’s James Rodríguez has signed with Minnesota United in MLS in an attempt to regain fitness, despite his physical condition no longer being suited to top-tier European football. Darwin Núñez, currently playing for Al Hilal, is reportedly seeking a move and faces an uncertain future with the Uruguayan national team under Marcelo Bielsa, particularly with Karim Benzema’s arrival limiting his opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
The challenges facing these players and their national team managers underscore a shift in the landscape of international football, where even established stars can no longer rely on reputation alone to secure a place in the World Cup squad. Form, fitness, and consistent playing time are now paramount, creating a high-stakes battle for relevance in the months leading up to the tournament.
