Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Move from Liverpool Hits Fresh Setback as Real Madrid Face Confirmed Nightmare
Trent Alexander-Arnold departed Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer, but his time in the Spanish capital has been far from smooth.
The England right-back’s spell at Real Madrid has hit another setback, with key injuries piling up just before their crucial Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Manchester City.
Since switching from Anfield to the Bernabéu, Alexander-Arnold has faced persistent injury issues and inconsistent performances. He has featured in only 17 matches across all competitions, most recently returning in February following a muscle tear that sidelined him over the holiday period.
In the four games he’s played since regaining full fitness, Real Madrid have secured just two victories while dropping back-to-back losses.
Prospects for silverware this season appear dim: Los Blancos sit second in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points, after also losing the Supercopa de España final to them and suffering an early Copa del Rey exit to Albacete.
The Champions League remains their best hope for a trophy, with the first leg against City scheduled for next week. However, the team could be missing two major attacking threats—Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé.
Rodrygo’s injury was confirmed after the Brazilian forward suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Getafe. He came on as a substitute, completed the game despite the issue, and underwent further tests on Monday that verified the severity. This rules him out for the rest of the season and Brazil’s World Cup campaign this summer.
The absence severely limits Real Madrid’s forward options for Friday’s La Liga trip to face Celta Vigo and the upcoming City clash.
Mbappé is also doubtful for both fixtures, with reports from L’Equipe indicating he is likely to miss the first leg against City, though the club hopes to have him back for the return on March 17.
That leaves Vinícius Jr. and Gonzalo García as the primary attacking choices for interim head coach Álvaro Arbeloa in the Celta Vigo match. A late red card to 18-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono in the Getafe game means he will miss the domestic fixture due to suspension, though he remains available for the Champions League tie if he stays fit.
Speaking about the upcoming matchup with City, Arbeloa commented: “It’s going to be a thrilling contest between two elite clubs. Madrid fans love this kind of tie because of the stature of the opponent. We’ll prepare thoroughly when the moment arrives, fully aware of the intensity it demands.”
