Real Madrid captain upset after being overlooked again vs Valencia

Real Madrid secured an important 2-0 win over Valencia on Sunday night at Mestalla – a venue that has not been easy for them in recent years.

Goals from Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe clinched the victory for Los Blancos, who were without some important players like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo.

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa also made some interesting selection decisions for the game, one of which was handing young David Jimenez a start, despite having his senior right-backs, Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, available and in the squad.

On the 76th minute mark, Arbeloa opted to shuffle things at right-back, sending on Trent in place of Jimenez, leaving Carvajal on the bench.

Carvajal upset

Now, according to journalist Rodra, Carvajal was left visibly upset at what had happened after the game as he continues to be overlooked by the new Real Madrid manager.

The 34-year-old Real Madrid captain was seen talking to fitness coach Antonio Pintus after the game and he seemed quite upset during the conversation.

Pintus tried to console the veteran right-back and explain things, but it did not seem to work as Carvajal appeared to be finding it hard to understand why he was being overlooked.

Carvajal has barely played under Arbeloa. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

After all, the Spanish international has been back fit and in the squad for over a month now, but has only played two games during that period – both as a substitute (13 mins vs Albacete and 14 mins vs AS Monaco).

In contrast, Trent, who returned to the squad only yesterday, got to play right away, while Arbeloa opted to start with Jimenez in the lineup.

What did Arbeloa say?

Talking to the media after the match, Arbeloa explained why Carvajal was not playing for Real Madrid despite being available, saying:

“I’ll be very clear. I’m seeing Dani improve in training day by day. Gradually. Obviously, I’m not going to take any risks.”

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of the 34-year-old defender, saying: “Inside the dressing room, I don’t need to explain the importance of Dani. He’s the one who always has something to say before and after matches.

“The players need to have a reference like him in the dressing room, and I’m sure he’s going to find his best form. With the patience and effort we’re putting in and his dedication, I’m confident that he’s getting closer to regaining his relevance.”