Real Madrid have confirmed that England international Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained a thigh injury, dealing the Spanish giants another major blow in an already challenging season for their defensive lineup. The club announced the news on Thursday, a day after the right-back was forced off during their 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
The 27-year-old, who joined Real Madrid earlier this season after leaving Liverpool, delivered his first La Liga assist in the match, setting up the opening goal with a trademark precision pass. However, what began as a positive outing quickly turned worrying when Alexander-Arnold signaled discomfort and exited the match in the second half.
Medical Assessment Confirms Thigh Muscle Injury
In an official statement, Real Madrid revealed that medical tests had identified “a muscle injury to the front of the thigh” on Alexander-Arnold’s left leg. While the club did not specify a recovery timeline, Spanish outlet Marca reported that the defender is expected to spend around two months on the sidelines.
According to the publication, the injury could sideline him for at least 10 matches, including key fixtures in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Among the games he is expected to miss are crucial group-stage clashes against Manchester City, Monaco, and Benfica — the latter now coached by former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.
A Repeated Setback in a Tough Season
This marks Alexander-Arnold’s second injury since joining the club, following a hamstring issue earlier in the campaign. The new setback is a troubling development for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is already grappling with a depleted defensive department.
Real Madrid are currently without first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal, who is not expected to return to action for at least another month. With both Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold unavailable, the club faces a shortage of natural right-sided defenders, raising questions about potential tactical adjustments or emergency reinforcements.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Season
Alexander-Arnold’s injury comes at a time when Madrid need consistency and depth, especially in high-stakes competitions. His creativity and passing range had begun to shine in Spain, and his absence will likely force Madrid to rethink their build-up play on the right flank.
The upcoming Champions League encounters, in particular, will test the squad’s resilience. Facing elite sides without two experienced full-backs puts added pressure on the team’s defensive structure and overall strategy.
Still, Real Madrid’s coaching staff remain hopeful that the player will return before the decisive stages of the season, provided his recovery progresses without complications.
Looking Ahead
As the medics assess Alexander-Arnold’s rehabilitation schedule, Madrid fans will be eager for updates on his progress. The club is expected to rely on squad rotation and potential youth call-ups to navigate the challenging weeks ahead.
For Alexander-Arnold, the priority will be a smooth recovery to avoid recurrence and regain the form that had begun to win over supporters in the Spanish capital.
