Trent Alexander-Arnold's Road to Recovery: When Will Real Madrid's New Star Make His Comeback?
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Champions League bow for Real Madrid lasted merely five minutes before he suffered a hamstring problem.
Real Madrid's inaugural European fixture under Xabi Alonso nearly turned into a catastrophe. Los Blancos fell behind against Marseille in the opening stages, witnessed Dani Carvajal receive his marching orders, and then watched Alexander-Arnold join the club's growing injury list, grasping his left hamstring after completing just three passes at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League championship triumph last season, and his exit has left a significant void at Anfield, where Arne Slot continues to search for the right formula following Liverpool's substantial summer investment spree.
There were high expectations for his influence in Madrid, with the innovative full-back's acquisition and Alonso's appointment representing a fresh chapter for the club, but his unavailability has clearly been a major disappointment thus far.
The England star had accumulated only 155 minutes of playing time this campaign before his injury blow against Marseille, though recent updates indicate Alexander-Arnold may return sooner than initially anticipated from his first fitness concern in the Spanish capital.
When Will Trent Alexander-Arnold Return From Injury?
Follow-up examinations by Madrid medical staff initially suggested Alexander-Arnold would face six to eight weeks out of action.
He has already sat out five matches, including Madrid's crushing 5–2 loss—their opening defeat of the 2025–26 campaign—against city neighbors Atléti over the weekend.
A six-week layoff from the moment of injury would position Alexander-Arnold for a potential debut in his maiden El Clásico on Oct. 26. Nevertheless, recent reports hint that Alexander-Arnold might be match-ready right after the forthcoming international window. Consequently, he could feature against Getafe on Oct. 19, roughly one month following his setback.
Madrid also face their subsequent Champions League encounter between the Getafe and Barcelona clashes, providing another chance for the defender to regain match sharpness before El Clásico.
Real Madrid's Alternatives to Alexander-Arnold
Alonso urgently requires Alexander-Arnold's return, considering the shortage of natural right-backs in his squad. Dani Carvajal faces a month-long absence due to a muscle problem picked up at the weekend—Raúl Asencio was deployed out of his natural position during Tuesday evening's 5–0 victory over Kairat Almaty.
Another possibility involves utilizing the struggling Federico Valverde at right-back, a position the Uruguayan frequently occupied during the final period of Carlo Ancelotti's reign. However, he has expressed his reluctance to play there, clearly stating he was 'not born' to operate in defensive positions.
Castilla youth product David Jiménez represents another alternative following his recent elevation to the senior squad by Alonso.