PLUS: Why right-back’s absence is unlucky for him and a huge problem for Alonso
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reacted to his injury problems after being ruled out for two months.
The right-back suffered a thigh injury in last weekend’s win at Athletic Club, having made only three starts since he spent a month on the sidelines for another problem he sustained in September.
The 27-year-old joined Madrid from Liverpool in the summer but has barely played due to fitness issues. He has made just 11 appearances in all competitions, although this is partly also due to competition at right-back.
Manager Xabi Alonso has often preferred veteran Dani Carvajal, but has also played even midfielder Federico Valverde there.
Alexander-Arnold addressed the news of his absence on Instagram, posting an image of himself with a caption that said: “Absolutely gutted about this one. The timing of it hurts but I will work hard to come back stronger and better! See you in 2026 Madridistas.”
Analysis: Unlucky for Alexander-Arnold and Big Problem for Alonso
The news that Real Madrid will be without Alexander-Arnold for up to two months is crushing, especially when viewed through the lens of the player’s impressive performance against Athletic Club.
Wednesday night at San Mames was one of the few times in his fledgling Madrid career when he was one of the undisputed best players on the pitch. His long pass to Kylian Mbappe in the seventh minute for Madrid’s opener was reminiscent of the long balls he used to deliver for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.
He then went one better with a sumptuous delivery for Madrid’s second goal, deftly floating the ball towards the far post for Mbappe to head across goal to Eduardo Camavinga, who then headed into an empty net.
This injury now interrupts that form, essentially forcing him to start again from square one in February.
His absence is only one of several complications for Madrid boss Alonso. The coach has had to navigate frequent injuries as well as tension behind the scenes, most notably with Vinicius Junior, who has told the club he will not extend his contract while Alonso remains in charge.
Alonso has not always preferred Alexander-Arnold while the former Liverpool man is fit, but he is undoubtedly a talented player, and it has always felt like a question of when and not if he will adapt to the new club and the new system.
Injuries will continue to prolong that, and on the back of the performance against Athletic Alonso will surely be disappointed to lose the creativity of the Englishman, especially with his side having struggled seriously for inspiration over the past two months and much of their positive results coming because of Mbappe’s superb goalscoring form.
Worse, in the absence of both Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal, Alonso will have to rely on either a player like Raul Asencio, or midfielder Valverde, who does not feel comfortable at right-back and whose continued deployment there is more likely than not to continue to raise discontent in the dressing room.
