Real Madrid have some major decisions to make in the coming months with regard to their squad make-up for the next season.
Having accepted their failure in successfully planning for the transition, Los Blancos are staring at a busy summer ahead where the main focus will be on strengthening the defence and midfield.
There could be some notable exits as well. David Alaba, for one, is pretty much guaranteed to leave as his contract expires on 30 June, with the club not planning to offer a renewal.
Fellow veteran defenders Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal also find themselves in the same boat as Alaba when it comes to their contracts.
And, according to Rodra of ESPN, Real Madrid believe that both Carvajal and Rudiger have ‘earned the right’ to decide whether or not to stay at the club beyond this season.
At this point, uncertainty lingers over the future of the veteran duo, considering their fitness issues this season.
To put things into context, Carvajal has only played ten games this season, clocking a total of 470 minutes.
Despite having been back in the squad for a month since his last injury, the 34-year-old has barely seen any minutes on the pitch, giving an indication of his fitness, although he is now understood to be ready to start games.
As for Rudiger, he has only featured for 764 minutes across nine matches this term, struggling with the knee issue that had already been a problem for him last season.
But, as things stand, Real Madrid will not force them out of the club and will respect their decision – whether it is to stay on for one more year or move on when their current deals run out.