25-year-old Madrid "Real" team right-back Dani Carvajal is intensively preparing for the capital derby that will take place on Saturday, even though just last month he didn't know if he could continue his football career.
On October 1, "Real" released unexpected medical reports of the defender - the Spaniard caught a heart infection, which led to pericardial illness. The defender immediately received medical help, and football was put on hold - the Spaniard had to completely refrain from any physical exertion.
Although there were fears that D. Carvajal would not play until next year, the defender managed to successfully overcome this tricky illness and now he is ready to return to the field for the first time after the injury this coming Saturday.
"I was very scared and even thought I might have to end my career," - D. Carvajal recalled his initial impressions upon learning the seriousness of the illness.
"The first four weeks were the worst - I couldn't do absolutely anything. I couldn't stress my heart because its beating rate had already changed significantly."
"It was very difficult for me to come to terms with it because I couldn't imagine myself without physical activity. Being a professional athlete, it's hard to accept the idea that you might have to give up any sport," the defender said.
However, D. Carvajal revealed that the problems are now behind him, and he could have returned to the field even sooner: "I could have returned earlier, but we decided it would happen after the national team break. The latest tests show that I no longer have any problems, so I am very excited for my first match."
This health problem of D. Carvajal surprised the whole team, as this defender with his physical qualities has no equals in the "Real" team and is one of the hardest working players.
We will see the defender returning to the field this Saturday when "Real" faces a serious test - a derby with Madrid "Atletico".
