Spanish giants Real Madrid look to be in the midst of a transitional period as they determine which of their veteran players can still compete at the highest level, and which should be moved on.
While much of the attention has focused on the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema; Dani Carvajal's place in the team has also come under scrutiny.
According to a report in Diario AS, Carvajal has started just 23 of Real Madrid's 40 games this season, despite missing only four due to injury. Although he has struggled with injuries in the past, this campaign his performances have also been below par.
With the exception of a brief spell at the beginning of the season, Carvajal has been uncharacteristically shaky defensively and has contributed little going forward. He has yet to make a carry into the penalty box and is in the bottom 17% for progressive passes in his position, according to Managing Madrid.
In his absence, Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, and Alvaro Odriozola have all featured at right-back. Vazquez is the most natural option for the upcoming big games, but his consistency as a starter has been called into question.
It is possible that Real manager Carlo Ancelotti will choose Nacho, who is more reliable defensively, but this would require a more offensive left-back on the other side.
One option that has been mentioned with excitement is 18-year-old Vinicius Tobias. Although he has yet to play a single minute in the first team this season, his €18million release clause has been touted as a potential solution for Real Madrid's right-back position in the future. Tobias is quick and highly offensive, and likes to take on defenders.
As Los Blancos prepare for the summer transfer window, they must decide whether to activate Tobias' release clause and whether Carvajal still has a place in the team. At 31 years old, he has two years remaining on his contract, but his performances suggest that he is no longer the player he once was.