Trent Alexander-Arnold Returns to Rescue Real Madrid at Their Hour of Greatest Need
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to make his comeback from an extended injury layoff this weekend when they face Valencia, according to reports.
The England international's inaugural campaign with the Spanish giants has been plagued by fitness issues since swapping Liverpool for the Santiago Bernabéu. Alexander-Arnold has featured in just 16 matches for Real Madrid, with five of those coming during last summer's Club World Cup tournament.
A hamstring problem was the most recent setback that sidelined the former Reds captain for the past two months. However, MARCA suggests Alexander-Arnold is now poised to be included in the squad for Sunday's encounter at Mestalla.
Will Alexander-Arnold Play for Real Madrid vs. Valencia?
Will Alexander-Arnold Play for Real Madrid vs. Valencia?
It's clear that the club will approach Alexander-Arnold's comeback with utmost care. The right-back has already been absent for 23 of Los Blancos' 34 fixtures this campaign, and hastily reintroducing him to action could lead to another injury relapse, which Real Madrid simply cannot risk.
Consequently, the chances of Álvaro Arbeloa inserting Alexander-Arnold directly into his starting lineup on Sunday appear minimal. The Spanish manager will likely continue to deploy versatile midfielder Federico Valverde in the right-back position, as has been the standard approach for most of the past season and a half.
The match's progression, however, may determine whether Alexander-Arnold gets playing time or stays safely on the substitutes' bench. If Real Madrid establishes a comfortable advantage against Valencia, there would be little justification for the 27-year-old to enter the game, unless Arbeloa desires to give him a short appearance to begin his gradual return to competitive fitness.
Should the away side find themselves in difficulty and requiring a late goal, Alexander-Arnold's expertise might become essential. He could offer an impact from the bench with his exceptional crossing ability and provide Arbeloa's sometimes predictable offense with a creative boost, whether from the right wing or central midfield, as well as during dead-ball situations.
Real Madrid's Silverware Hopes Could Rely on Alexander-Arnold's Fitness
Real Madrid's Silverware Hopes Could Rely on Alexander-Arnold's Fitness
Real Madrid's shortcomings this season mirror their struggles from 2024–25, regardless of who occupies the managerial position. The squad lacks a central midfielder capable of controlling game rhythm, suffers from numerous defensive injuries, and depends excessively on Kylian Mbappé for attacking solutions.
Acquiring Alexander-Arnold during the summer transfer window was meant to address the final two problems, but his prolonged unavailability has had the reverse effect, particularly with Dani Carvajal also sidelined. The Madrid powerhouse suddenly finds itself without a fit right-back for extended periods, a predicament that can only be tolerated temporarily.
Los Blancos have already been eliminated from the Copa del Rey and suffered defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final. They now possess just two remaining chances to secure major silverware this season—La Liga and the Champions League.
Wresting the domestic title from Barcelona represents the more realistic objective since Real Madrid currently sits just one point behind their arch-nemeses. However, they presently appear unable to maintain the consistency required to earn victories regularly in La Liga.
Alexander-Arnold's inclusion, though, would provide Arbeloa's squad with a significant enhancement, both defensively and in attack. The English star's creative abilities could be the solution to breaking down the defensive formations Real Madrid regularly encounters, breathing new energy into a team desperately needing assistance.