Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Dani Carvajal is fit and available for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona.
There had been concern over the right-back's availability when he was unable to train with his teammates on Friday due to a slight calf problem.
However, Ancelotti has declared the Spain international fit for El Clasico, and he will enter the match off the back of a strong performance against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final, scoring once and providing two assists in a 5-3 success for Los Blancos.
"He's fine, he's needed more rest because he's a veteran and needs more time but he's going to play," the Real Madrid head coach told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
Ancelotti also said that his side are "calm" and motivated" ahead of El Clasico, with Real Madrid bidding to secure their first trophy of the campaign.
© Reuters
"We're fine, we're calm. The team is motivated, we are close to the first title of the season," he added.
"It's an illusion to prepare for these matches, matches that everyone watches. It will be a spectacle. You worry about a lot of things and it's hard because even though there's excitement, you worry about doing well.
"It's a competition that ends tomorrow, an important title but then there are other things. Tomorrow it could even out. It will be the small details that decide the final."
Ancelotti also insisted that revenge was not on Real Madrid's minds despite suffering a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup last year.
© Reuters
"No, we go out at our best because of the demands of this shirt, there is no desire for revenge. We respect Barca, they're strong and they've beaten us but we're hungry in every game," the Italian added.
Ancelotti was also asked about the goalkeeping situation at the club, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin battling for the position between the sticks.
"I'm going to do something, I see how worried you are. Kepa arrived and was a starter, then he had an injury and Lunin deserved to play. It's not to Kepa's detriment," he said.
"Now I feel I can't choose a starter and a substitute. The important thing is that they both understand it, and they have understood it."
Kepa started the semi-final against Atletico, but Lunin was selected for Real Madrid's last La Liga game against Mallorca on January 3.
Matt Law
