Third time lucky? Trent Alexander-Arnold poised for Madrid return at Mestalla
The English right-back is set to end his two-month injury layoff against Valencia, having missed 21 matches since joining Los Blancos from Liverpool.
Real Madrid’s injury-plagued English import could finally be ready to show his true worth after another frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to make his return to action this Sunday at Mestalla against Valencia, ending a two-month absence after suffering a quadriceps injury on December 3rd at San Mamés. The Liverpool academy product should be joined by fellow returnees Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy, though with the Frenchman it’s always wise to proceed with caution.
Third time’s the charm?
The timing of Trent’s injury against Athletic Bilbao couldn’t have been more frustrating, as he was delivering what many considered his best performance in a Madrid shirt. The San Mamés match saw him showcase the attacking qualities that made him such a standout at Anfield – incisive running, excellent distribution, and creative vision.
This latest setback was the second significant injury for the Englishman since his high-profile summer move. Combined with a muscle problem that kept him out of the PSG Champions League semi-final, Trent has:
- Missed a whopping 21 matches for his new club
- Been sidelined for over 100 days in total
- Surpassed his worst injury-hit season at Liverpool (2023-24)
Right-back roulette
Madrid’s right defensive flank has been a proper headache for Arbeloa this season:
- Fede Valverde has been the most used option (17 starts) despite the position not being his natural habitat
- Trent has managed just 7 starts
- Dani Carvajal, still finding his feet after last season’s serious knee injury, has started only 5 times
Trent trained on Tuesday alongside Rüdiger, Mendy and other recovering players while most of the squad enjoyed their second rest day following Sunday’s hard-fought victory against Rayo Vallecano.
Desperately seeking stability
Recovering Alexander-Arnold’s best form is now a priority for Arbeloa and his coaching staff. They recognize that Valverde doesn’t love playing as a full-back (despite performing admirably) and harbor doubts about Carvajal’s ability to return to his previous elite level.
If the “Trent train” can finally stay on the tracks, Madrid’s right flank could finally find the stability it’s been lacking all season. Sunday’s clash at Mestalla represents the perfect opportunity for the Englishman to begin making up for lost time.