Lopetegui: Carvajal Could Be Ready For Spain's World Cup Opener

May 29, 2018 07:05

Julen Lopetegui is happy to wait as long as he can for Spain full-back Dani Carvajal to prove his fitness, with his injury suffered in the Champions League final being "not so bad."

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Spain full-back Dani Carvajal will be fighting to play in his team's World Cup opener, according to coach Julen Lopetegui.

Carvajal suffered a hamstring injury during Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday.

The setback sparked fears the 26-year-old – capped 15 times by Spain – would miss the World Cup.

Lopetegui said he would give the full-back every chance to prove his fitness, adding there was hope Carvajal could face Portugal in their World Cup opener on June 15.

⚠ OFFICIAL | @DaniCarvajal92 to join squad in training camp as part of his recovery https://t.co/qMPwE40Mr8 pic.twitter.com/BfBYnmnKRo
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) May 28, 2018

"I had a feeling it was not so bad and it was confirmed," he told El Larguero on Monday.

"The doctors told us that they are going to fight to play the first game. We are going to see his progress. The last week will be working with everyone.

"We thought it is worth waiting for Carvajal."

Carvajal will reportedly miss two to three weeks, a timeline which could see him take on Portugal.

Group B Real Madrid FIFA World Cup Spain Dani Carvajal Julen Lopetegui