Bad news for Real Madrid: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s struggles take new twist as crisis deepens
Despite a convincing win over Athletic Club, Madrid were dealt a new blow which will impact Xabi Alonso’s team selections.
What had been feared is now reality. Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a tear in his left quadriceps in Wednesday’s win over Athletic Club. This morning at Valdebebas, an MRI confirmed the setback: he will be out for roughly two months. Club sources lean toward two and a half months rather than six weeks, meaning he will miss the Spanish Super Cup and all remaining group stage matches in the Champions League against Manchester City, Monaco, and Benfica. He is not expected back until February.
For coach Xabi Alonso, this diagnosis brings a stark certainty: Real Madrid will be without a fit right-back in December.
Carvajal’s slow recovery adds to defensive crisis
Dani Carvajal is progressing but still needs more time, at least a month. After returning in the Clásico on October 26 for 19 minutes, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, the ‘bad’ one, on October 28. He was initially ruled out for roughly ten weeks and is currently halfway through that recovery. The plan is for him to be 100% ready for the Spanish Super Cup, but there are no guarantees, meaning he will also miss the rest of 2025.
A red-letter calendar for Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold’s schedule is now marked with red Xs. He will miss the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético Madrid and a potential final against Barcelona or Athletic Club. He will also miss the final three Champions League group stage matches. Beyond that, Madrid faces a string of league matches without their usual right-back options: Celta (Dec. 7), Alavés (Dec. 14), Sevilla (Dec. 20), Real Betis (Jan. 4), Levante (Jan. 18), and Villarreal (Jan. 25).
Trent’s ongoing injury problems
Trent began the season cautiously and had to pause training for a week on July 7 due to minor muscle issues, disrupting his preseason. On September 16, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for 31 days, six matches, further slowing his integration into the squad.
Now, Xabi Alonso faces a tough decision at right-back with both Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal unavailable. Against Athletic, he turned to Raúl Asensio, though Fede Valverde could be an option again.
Camavinga offers good news
There is some good news: Eduardo Camavinga is dealing only with a mild left ankle sprain, fully controlled and not considered serious. He is a doubt for this Sunday’s match versus Celta Vigo but is expected to be available against Manchester City on December 10.
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