Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Champions League debut for Real Madrid was cut short after just five minutes due to a hamstring injury. The England international was forced off the pitch during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The former Liverpool star lasted just four minutes of Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over the French side as the record 15-time champions opened their continental campaign with a hard-fought victory.
That was despite being reduced to 10 men when Dani Carvajal, who had replaced Alexander-Arnold, was dismissed with 18 minutes left.
“After the tests conducted today on our player Trent Alexander-Arnold by Real Madrid’s medical service, he has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury in his left leg,” the club said in a statement.
Local press reported that Alexander-Arnold would be out for about three weeks.
He was signed in the close season to provide competition for Carvajal, who suffered a long-term injury last season.
Both right-backs will now miss Real’s second Champions League encounter away to Kazakhs Kairat Almaty on September 30.
Details of the Injury
- Diagnosis: Real Madrid’s medical services confirmed that Alexander-Arnold has sustained a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg, a type of hamstring injury.
- Incident: The injury occurred early in the match as the right-back was making a run. He pulled up, grabbing the back of his left thigh before dropping to the ground.
- Expected Recovery: While Real Madrid’s statement did not provide a specific timeline for his return, reports from various sources suggest he could be sidelined for several weeks, with some even speculating a recovery period of six to eight weeks.
Impact and Implications
This injury comes as a significant blow to both the player and his new club.
- Disruption to Real Madrid: The injury sidelines Alexander-Arnold at a crucial time, just as he was beginning to establish himself in the squad following his summer transfer from Liverpool. The timing is particularly problematic as his replacement in the match, Dani Carvajal, was later sent off, leaving Real Madrid with a potential defensive dilemma for upcoming games.
- Doubts over Liverpool Reunion: The injury also casts doubt on whether Alexander-Arnold will be fit in time for Real Madrid’s Champions League match against his former club, Liverpool, at Anfield on November 4. This highly anticipated reunion would be his first time returning to the stadium as an opponent after his departure.
- Setback for Player: The injury is a setback for the 26-year-old, who has had a mixed start to his career in Spain. He was recently left out of the England squad for World Cup qualifiers, and this injury will likely keep him out of the next international break as well.
