Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for at least two months after picking up a fresh thigh injury during Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
The setback is a major blow to the right-back’s hopes of a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Trent Alexander-Arnold injury
Real Madrid have confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will miss at least eight weeks of action after being substituted in the 55th minute due to a thigh injury on Wednesday.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as the 27-year-old had just come up with the move that resulted in Kylian Mbappé’s spectacular solo goal earlier in the match – his first assist for the club.
Since joining Real Madrid from Liverpool this summer, this latest problem is his third apparent injury.
Why does Trent Alexander-Arnold get injured so often at Real Madrid?
The right-back’s start at the Bernabeu has been seriously hampered by fitness problems.
After a setback at the Club World Cup in December, he suffered a hamstring injury in mid-September that kept him out of action for seven weeks.
Real Madrid’s decision to include him in four matches in ten days despite his delicate history this season will raise questions about his workload management.
When will Trent Alexander-Arnold return?
Alexander-Arnold’s recovery time is currently estimated at two months, so he is likely to miss key winter matches, preparations for Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout and crucial evaluation periods for England before the summer.
A return before April is considered unlikely unless progress exceeds expectations.
How this injury affects his chances at the World Cup in England
Alexander-Arnold has not played for England since the 1-0 win over Andorra in June.
Thomas Tuchel has previously stated that his lack of playing time at the start of the season was the reason he was not chosen for the September camp.
He was then injured during the October internationals and was short of fitness during the November period.
Tuchel recently confirmed he would travel to Madrid to speak to Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham about England plans, but also admitted that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah is currently forward of Alexander-Arnold in his right-back hierarchy.
Reece James and Tino Livramento are also strong candidates for the role.
With limited playing time and another significant layoff, Alexander-Arnold now faces an uphill battle to force his way back to England.
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool and how fans reacted
The defender left Liverpool last summer after turning down a new contract and joining Real Madrid for just £8.5million as his contract at Anfield neared expiry.
He was booed on his return to Merseyside in a Champions League match earlier this season as some fans were unhappy with his decision to see out his contract.
Since joining Real, Alexander-Arnold has been determined to establish himself and revive his international career – ambitions that have been repeatedly thwarted by injuries.
Which games will Trent Alexander-Arnold miss?
Alexander-Arnold’s two-month recovery time means he is expected to miss a significant series of Real Madrid games, including a crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Below is the list of matches he is likely to be unavailable for, based on current medical guidelines and expected return date.
Upcoming games he is expected to miss:
- Celta Vigo (H) – December 7 – The League
- Manchester City (H) – December 10 – Champions Leaguee
- Deportivo Alaves (A) – December 14 – The League
- Seville (H) – December 20 – The League
- Real Betis (H) – January 4 – The League
- Atletico Madrid (A) – January 8 – Spanish Super Cup
- Levante (H) – January 18 – The League
- Monaco (H) – January 20 – Champions Leaguee
- Villarreal (A) – January 25 – The League
- Benfica (A) – January 28 – Champions League
- Rayo Vallecano (H) – February 1 – Lthe League
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