Injured Carvajal nears return for Real Madrid

Dani Carvajal, who missed Real Madrid's last four matches due to a hamstring issue, is targetting a return to full training next week.

Dani Carvajal..."If everything goes to plan, I'll be back and training with the rest of the squad by next Tuesday."

Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal is targetting a return to full training next week. Carvajal has formed part of a lengthy injury list for Zinedine Zidane in recent weeks, missing its last four matches due to a hamstring issue. The defender will not be back in time to face Celta Vigo this weekend as Madrid looks to avenge last week's > Copa del Rey elimination at Balaidos , with the trip to Osasuna on February 11 a potential return date.

Carvajal told the club's official website: "I'm working hard to get back and I'm in with the therapist this week, initially without the ball and then with it. If everything goes to plan, I'll be back and training with the rest of the squad by next Tuesday."

Madrid bounced back from its Copa exit by > beating Real Sociedad 3-0 in La Liga on Sunday, and Carvajal acknowledged the importance of quickly returning to winning ways. The victory was made even sweeter with Barcelona and Sevilla failing to win, increasing its advantage at the summit to four points.

"It was an important game and we got a crucial win," said Carvajal. "It was a weekend when our closest rivals had dropped points and we managed to increase the gap on all three of them. It's now time to rest up and prepare for Sunday's game in Vigo, which is like a cup final."