Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal could make a full return to fitness against Atletico in the Madrid derby this Saturday, just six weeks after contracting a condition he says he feared could have ended his career.
Carvajal, 25, was diagnosed with a viral pericardium infection in September and hasn't played since. He spoke to Spanish daily Diario Madridista (h/t AS) and conceded the initial news left him wondering if he'd have to retire:
"[You think,] 'Imagine if it's more serious'; you even start to consider the possibility that it could become something chronic and that you'll have to give up playing, given that there have been other such cases.