Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool to join Real Madrid last summer but has struggled since his move to the Spanish capital.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled since moving to Real Madrid from Liverpool last summer
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid venture has taken yet another twist after injuries to two key players ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City. The England international has endured his own injury problems and struggled for form since leaving Anfield for the Bernabeu last summer.
He’s made just 17 appearances in all competitions his move from Liverpool, recently returning to action in February after a muscle tear kept him out over the festive period. Los Blancos have won two games and suffered back-to-back defeats in Alexander-Arnold’s four games since returning to full fitness.
His quest for silverware this season looks set for disappointment with Madrid second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, who beat them in the Supercopa de Espana final, while they were knocked out of the Copa del Ray by Albacete.
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The Champions League is the most likely avenue for a trophy this season, and Real play City in the first leg of the last 16 next week, but could be without two key players in Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe. It has been confirmed that forward Rodrygo has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee following Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Getafe.
He incurred the injury mere minutes after coming on as a substitute, but managed to complete the match. The Brazilian was evaluated by medical staff in the changing room post-match, with further tests on Monday confirming the news. This means he will be out of action for the remainder of the season and this summer’s World Cup.
It’s been confirmed that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has suffered a serious knee injury, rulling him out for the remainder of the season.(Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The injury leaves the Spanish side lacking in forward options for Friday’s La Liga encounter against Celta Vigo and the first leg against City. It also comes a huge blow to Alexander-Arnold’s chances of landing silverware with the club this season.
Mbappe is a major doubt for both matches, with L’Equipe reporting that he is expected to miss the first leg. Real are reportedly aiming for his return for the second leg on March 17th.
Vinicius Jr and Gonzalo Garcia will be the sole forward options available to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa for this week’s fixture away at Celta Vigo. A late red card issued to Franco Mastantuono against Getafe means he will serve a suspension for the match.
The 18-year-old midfielder will be eligible to face City in the Champions League, provided he avoids injury. Responding to the draw against City, Arbeloa said: “It is going to be an exciting duel between two great clubs.
“It is a tie that the Madridistas like a lot because of the size of the opponent. When the time comes, we will prepare it to the maximum, knowing the demand it will entail.”
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