Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has provided an important update on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recovery from a hamstring injury, confirming that the English defender is still not fully fit ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with Juventus on Wednesday.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Alonso revealed that although Alexander-Arnold has returned to light training, he remains unlikely to feature against Juventus. The 26-year-old has missed Madrid’s last six matches after sustaining the injury against Marseille in mid-September.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Alonso told reporters. “Trent and Carvajal have been training, but for tomorrow, I don’t think they’ll be ready.”
Alonso added that a more definitive update on Alexander-Arnold’s condition would come later in the week, ahead of El Clásico against Barcelona this Sunday.
The timeline means the English full-back could have just two games to regain match sharpness — the El Clásico and next weekend’s tie against Valencia — before Madrid’s highly anticipated Champions League trip to Anfield in two weeks. That fixture will mark Alexander-Arnold’s first return to Liverpool since his summer move to the Spanish capital.
The injury setback has disrupted what was expected to be a major phase in Alexander-Arnold’s career at Madrid. Since arriving, he has made only five appearances, with three of them coming as late substitute cameos. Alonso has alternated between him and Dani Carvajal, though the Spaniard has been preferred in recent weeks.
For Alexander-Arnold, the frustration is familiar. His final season at Liverpool was also marred by persistent hamstring and ankle problems, though he still managed to feature in 49 matches across all competitions and remain a key creative outlet.
Despite the slow start, Real Madrid’s medical team remains optimistic that the right-back will be ready in time for the Anfield clash, a game that will carry deep emotional weight for both Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool fans.
As Alonso cautiously put it, Madrid won’t take any unnecessary risks — but if the recovery continues on schedule, a dramatic return to Anfield could be on the cards.
