Carvajal is fit and available, but should Hierro risk him?
The right back could be in the starting line up as soon as Wednesday's match against Iran
One the few doubts Fernando Hierro has ahead of his second match in charge of Spain relates to Dani Carvajal. The full back has fully recovered from the muscular injury he suffered in the Champions League final less than a month ago and he's ready to play against Iran.
In Kiev, on the 25th May, Carvajal took part in the last training session before the Champions League final. The next day, in that final, he suffered yet another muscular injury. He left the field in tears, tears of frustration at failing to see out the match but also at the fear of maybe missing on a World Cup place.
Julen Lopetegui, the now former Spain coach, didn't have any doubts about bringing Carvajal to Krasnodar with the squad. He is the owner of the right back spot and would be given all the time needed to prove he could be ready for the tournament. He knew he wouldn't play against Portugal but that there was a chance he might be available for the Iran match.
Now Hierro has the reigns and is following along the same recovery schedule which was already in place. Carvajal was a surprise participant in the final training session before Lopetegui was sacked. Since he's returned to the group he's worked incredibly hard both on the pitch and behind the scenes in the gym. He's now ready to return.
On the 20th June, it'll be almost 25 days since Carvajal last played a football match. This is a factor Hierro needs to consider ahead of his team selection. Iran will ask less of the defence than Portugal did. Coming back to face Cristiano Ronaldo, in his best form, would've been a cruel way to throw Carvajal in.
However Lopetegui's coaching staff had to put the brakes on Carvajal's recovery as the Real Madrid man was pushing the limit every day. He wanted to jump two spaces forward, rather than take it one step at a time. In the days since then Carvajal's condition has improved a lot.
Whether Carvajal returns against Iran or in the third match against Morocco is one of the decisions the new coach needs to make. Nacho Fernandez beat Alvaro Odriozola to start against Portugal and got on the scoresheet. He also brought needed defensive stability to the team. He's the alternative if Carvajal isn't ready for Iran.
