Real Madrid will begin the 2026/27 La Liga season with a new leadership group after Dani Carvajal's departure, with Federico Valverde taking over as club captain under returning manager Jose Mourinho.
Speculation over tensions at Real Madrid has been firmly dismissed by manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who insists there is no problem with club captain Dani Carvajal despite recent selection decisions.
Real Madrid will begin their 2026 campaign without Dani Carvajal, with the veteran right-back ruled out of Sunday's La Liga match against Real Betis as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has suffered another major injury setback and will be sidelined for up to three months after being diagnosed with a knee problem that requires surgery.
Dani Carvajal was dismissed in Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League win over Olympique de Marseille on 16 September after headbutting goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Real Madrid are set to face Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens tonight, with a familiar face back in the fold.