Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to be fit in time for the club’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Juventus. The English defender, who has been out for six games with a hamstring injury, only recently returned to light training.
Speaking during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Alonso confirmed that a clearer update on Alexander-Arnold’s condition will come on Saturday — just before Madrid’s highly anticipated El Clasico clash with Barcelona.
The timeline places Alexander-Arnold’s potential comeback close to Madrid’s trip to Anfield in two weeks, where they will face Liverpool in what would be an emotional reunion for the former Reds vice-captain. Despite the initial uncertainty following his injury against Marseille in mid-September, club doctors remain optimistic that he will recover in time to feature against his boyhood side.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Alonso said. “Trent and Carvajal have both been training, but I don’t think they’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
If he misses the Juventus match, Alexander-Arnold will have just two fixtures — El Clasico and the following week’s tie against Valencia — to regain full fitness before returning to Anfield.
Since joining Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has made only five appearances, with three coming off the bench. He started two of their opening four league matches, while Dani Carvajal featured in the others.
During his final season at Liverpool, the 26-year-old managed to feature in 49 matches across all competitions despite recurring ankle and hamstring issues. His determination to return to form will now be tested as he aims to re-establish himself in Alonso’s starting lineup ahead of a crucial run of games for Real Madrid
