'Ready to compete': Dani Carvajal set for return with confidence

Months after suffering a knee injury, Dani Carvajal can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. The Real Madrid defender is very close to returning to action and is training almost at the same pace as his teammates.

His comeback is imminent, and the player himself expressed eagerness to play as soon as possible under new coach Xabi Alonso.

"I'm feeling very well, already fully involved with the group. I don't know if I'll be in tomorrow's squad or on the bench at the manager's disposal, but I'm very happy," he said following Monday's session.

"I approached this challenge from day one, knowing it was a long injury and that you have to progress step by step without rushing, which is the most important thing. It's been almost nine months and I'm ready to compete.

"I know myself, and if they put me out there, I'll give 100%. I'm not afraid or lacking confidence, not at all. I'm going full throttle. What I do notice is the match rhythm — I've been training with the team for two weeks and you can't help but feel that spark. But I'm not afraid to put my foot in; that's behind me," he added.

Carvajal also reflected on experiencing such a setback as a seasoned professional, something he believes has helped him. "Until it happens to you, you don't really grasp the scale of it.

"But it caught me at a mature stage in my career, thanks to my support system, my family, my children, a more structured life — all of which have made it easier. If it had happened years ago, without my wife, I would've agonised much more," he explained.

The defender then analysed Real Madrid's campaign at the Club World Cup, where the capital club will face Juventus in the last 16.

"The team can't wait for tomorrow's match. The knockout stage begins, and if you lose, you're out, so it's full throttle. The squad is mentally focused on Juventus and hopefully we can make the quarter-finals.

"We faced difficulties against Al Hilal and Pachuca, especially when we were reduced to ten men very early on. The team is gaining confidence, and Juventus are indeed a stronger opponent. It's a combination of the opponent's strength and the knockout format, but we're looking forward to the game," he concluded.