Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a challenging period of rehabilitation as he is set to spend two months on the sidelines following a hamstring injury sustained during Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, as reported by sources to ESPN.
The 26-year-old defender was forced to exit the match just five minutes in, prompting a significant tactical shift for Real Madrid, who ultimately secured a 2-1 comeback victory at the Bernabéu. The situation intensified when Dani Carvajal, who came on as his replacement, was sent off later in the match, compounding the challenges faced by the team.
According to ESPN sources, Alexander-Arnold’s recovery timeline is projected to be between six to eight weeks. This unfortunate setback means that he will be unavailable for the highly anticipated derby against Atlético Madrid and is considered unlikely to regain fitness in time for El Clásico clash against Barcelona, one of the highlights of the Spanish football calendar.
The prognosis for recovery could potentially improve due to his impressive physical fitness, as indicated by the same sources. However, the medical staff at Real Madrid is taking a cautious approach and are unwilling to take unnecessary risks with his long-term health. The club issued a statement on Wednesday detailing that following medical evaluations, Alexander-Arnold has been diagnosed with a muscle injury affecting the biceps femoris in his left leg. They assured that further updates regarding his condition would be communicated as they become available.
Almost paradoxically, this injury has greater implications beyond just club football; it also threatens Alexander-Arnold’s international prospects. Having been previously overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the September fixtures, the current injury raises further doubts about his eligibility for the upcoming England squad. This setback not only jeopardizes his participation in the next international camp but also casts a shadow over his potential return to Anfield with Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold concluded his 20-year association with Liverpool in the summer transfer window and was looking forward to reuniting with his old club on November 4. However, the injury significantly alters his plans. Notably, he was omitted from Tuchel’s England squad for the ongoing World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, and the latest injury leaves him as a major doubt for crucial matches against Wales and Latvia next month.
In addition, it creates a sense of urgency for him to regain fitness for Real Madrid’s visit to Liverpool on November 4, as this match would mark his first return to Anfield since his departure. Throughout the summer, he participated in five appearances at the Club World Cup and provided two assists, showcasing his capabilities. He has also played five times across all competitions in the ongoing 2025-26 season, proving his worth to the team. Alexander-Arnold’s current situation is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where injuries can abruptly alter the trajectories of even the most seasoned players.
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