Real Madrid were left anxious on Wednesday night after a fresh Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern forced the defender off during their hard-fought win over Athletic Bilbao.
The England international, still adjusting to life in Spain, will undergo medical tests to confirm the extent of the issue, with the club privately fearing another spell on the sidelines.
Early Promise Overshadowed by Fresh Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury Concern
For the first time in weeks, Alexander-Arnold appeared to be finding rhythm in the Real Madrid system. His passing range, long admired in England, was on full display as he produced a superb cross-field ball to set up Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal.
It was arguably one of his most controlled and confident performances since arriving from Liverpool in the summer.
But the positive signs were overshadowed by a worrying moment before the hour mark. After receiving treatment, he limped toward the technical area, made a gesture to the bench, and requested to be taken off—immediately heightening the Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern that has surrounded much of his first season in Spain.
According to ESPN, Real Madrid staff were “concerned” by the way he came off and are preparing further scans to identify the problem. While the full diagnosis is pending, the mood around Valdebebas suggests a fear of another untimely setback.
Recurring Problems Highlight Growing Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury Concern
This latest issue adds to a worrying pattern. The Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern has been present since early September when the defender suffered a thigh problem that sidelined him for a month.
That absence interrupted his early attempts to settle into Xabi Alonso’s tactical demands, and upon his return in November, his form fluctuated wildly.
Spanish media have not held back in their criticism. Following last weekend’s draw with Girona, respected Marca columnist Roberto Palomar wrote that Alexander-Arnold looked “clueless and insubstantial,” describing him as a player who “seems like a rabbit in the headlights.”
The remarks intensified debate over whether Madrid rushed his adaptation or whether expectations for his first season were unrealistic.
Yet Wednesday’s display before the injury showed progress—precise passing, more confident positioning, and sharper decision-making. This made the Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern all the more frustrating, coming at a moment when he seemed ready to stabilize his role in the team.
Competition for the Right-Back Role Deepens the Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury Concern
Alexander-Arnold is already facing fierce competition for the right-back position from club legend Dani Carvajal. Ironically, Carvajal is also injured, leaving Alonso with limited options.
Against Bilbao, midfielder Federico Valverde was forced to play emergency right-back late in the match, underlining how fragile the situation has become.
Real Madrid’s schedule adds another layer to the Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern. They face Celta Vigo at the weekend before a Champions League showdown with Manchester City—a tie that requires full defensive stability.
Losing Alexander-Arnold again, even briefly, would leave Alonso scrambling for solutions in two crucial fixtures.
Alonso Calls for Patience Amid Ongoing Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury Concern
Manager Xabi Alonso has remained firm in his belief that Alexander-Arnold will adapt to the Spanish game, stressing the need for patience as he transitions to a new environment.
“Trent is a top player, and we need him,” Alonso said last week. “It’s his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He’s also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change.”
Those words now take on new meaning as the Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern returns to the forefront. For Alonso, the defender is seen as a long-term asset capable of reshaping Madrid’s right-side play.
For supporters, though, the stop-start nature of his season has made it difficult to judge whether the move from Liverpool will reach its expected heights.
Real Madrid’s Unsettled Form Adds Pressure to the Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury Concern
Before their win at Bilbao, Real Madrid had won just one of their previous five matches. The dip in form has sparked rumours of dressing room unrest, with some players reportedly struggling to adjust to Alonso’s methods.
In that context, the Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern is now part of a wider narrative of instability.
The club had briefly top of La Liga earlier in the campaign, but recent results—combined with defensive injuries—have allowed rivals to close the gap. Losing another defender at this stage would be another significant blow.
The Trent Alexander-Arnold injury concern has now become one of the biggest talking points in Madrid’s season.
What began as a hopeful new chapter for the former Liverpool star has instead become a stop-start struggle marked by injuries, criticism, and pressure to prove his worth in one of the world’s most demanding football environments.
If the results of his tests bring more bad news, Real Madrid will face a difficult stretch with limited defensive depth.
But if the injury is minor, Wednesday’s performance may yet be remembered as the night Alexander-Arnold finally began to look like the player Madrid believed they had signed.
