After enduring three ruptures in his leg, Dani Carvajal has sparked fresh optimism by lacing up his football boots for the first time in 163 days, signaling his potential return.

The Real Madrid defender, sidelined for five months, finally stepped back onto the pitch, reconnecting with the sport he loves.

“How I missed you,” the Spaniard shared on his Instagram story after completing a session at Real Madrid’s training camp.

Carvajal suffered devastating injuries in October, tearing his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament, and popliteal tendon in his right knee.

Undergoing surgery that same month, the 33-year-old has been pushing through an intense rehabilitation process, admitting it has made him “feel like an animal.”

Despite initial expectations ruling him out for the season, Carvajal remains determined to make his comeback before the campaign ends.