Trent Alexander-Arnold might miss Real Madrid’s November trip to Anfield after being forced off less than five minutes into their Champions League match against Marseille.
The 26-year-old defender was included in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI on Tuesday night, just days after being left out of the squad for their La Liga clash with Real Sociedad.
Having made only two starts in four La Liga games since his summer move from Liverpool, this was a big opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to prove himself and send a message to Alonso. However, after just three minutes at the Bernabeu, Trent appeared to pull his hamstring while still moving at pace and was quickly substituted for Dani Carvajal.
Liverpool fans took to social media with mixed reactions, expressing doubt over whether the England international will be fit to play against his former club on November 4. One fan wrote, “Looks like Trent is already planning to dodge the Anfield test,” while another said, “Yeah, Trent was always going to miss the game at Anfield.” A third added, “Trent’s excuse to dodge Anfield right there.”
It remains unclear if Alexander-Arnold has indeed suffered a hamstring injury, but if so, it could mean a lengthy absence. For context, Chelsea’s Liam Delap is out until December with a hamstring tear, and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina is expected to be sidelined until the end of 2025 due to a similar injury sustained on international duty.
Before the match, Alonso emphasized the importance of Carvajal to his plans this season, casting doubt over Alexander-Arnold’s chances of becoming a regular starter.
“There’s one thing that hasn’t changed: Carvajal’s competitive spirit,” Alonso said.
“Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013-14, he’s been crucial. That first season, he contributed a lot—even winning the Champions League.
“Over time, while his personality, maturity, and influence as a captain have grown, his core competitive drive remains the same. The respect he commands from teammates and his leadership responsibilities have evolved.”
Alonso added, “His positive impact on the squad is vital. Maintaining those leaders—not just building but allowing them to thrive within the locker room—is fundamental.”
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