Injury Forces Trent Alexander-Arnold Off the Pitch in Dream Real Madrid Champions League Bow

Calamity struck in the opening moments at the Santiago Bernabéu as Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed to pick up a hamstring problem within minutes of Real Madrid's Champions League kickoff.

The England defender suddenly pulled up after only his third ball contact, clutching his hamstring area before collapsing to the turf. Medical personnel evaluated Alexander-Arnold before he was substituted out in the fifth minute of play.

This setback occurs during just his third starting appearance this season for Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso had benched the defender over the weekend, limiting Alexander-Arnold to merely eight minutes of action against Real Sociedad as preparation for the club's European clash with Marseille.

However, the extra recovery time couldn't prevent the 26-year-old from picking up an injury severe enough to warrant his replacement by Dani Carvajal shortly after kickoff.

Carvajal boasts six European Cup triumphs with Real Madrid and has appeared impressive at the start of the 2025–26 season after recovering from his ACL setback last campaign. Los Blancos will depend on their skipper to guide them to success against Marseille.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid anxiously await news regarding Alexander-Arnold's condition, considering the team is already missing injured players Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger and Endrick. Additionally, Dean Huijsen is serving a two-game La Liga suspension following his contentious dismissal on Saturday, leaving Alonso with limited defensive alternatives.

The positive development for Real Madrid is that Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga have completed their eagerly anticipated comebacks from injury and remain available for team selection going forward.