Real Madrid are poised to receive a massive injury boost as Trent Alexander-Arnold nears his long-awaited return to action for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano.
According to AS, the English international has successfully rejoined first-team training at Valdebebas. While he will miss Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Benfica, manager Álvaro Arbeloa expects to have the 27-year-old available for selection this Sunday (February 1st) at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Overcoming an Injury-Plagued Start
Since his high-profile move from Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold’s Madrid career has been hampered by setbacks. After an initial injury during the Club World Cup, a muscle tear against Athletic Bilbao on December 3rd kept him sidelined for nearly two months.
Despite the frustration, the club’s medical department is confident that the “best right-back in the world” is finally ready to reach his peak physical condition. His return is seen as vital for Arbeloa, who has been forced to use Federico Valverde as a makeshift defender in recent weeks.
- Last Appearance: December 3rd vs Athletic Bilbao.
- Return Date: February 1st vs Rayo Vallecano.
- League Position: 2nd (51 points), trailing Barcelona by just one point.
Transfer Rumors Dismissed Amid City Interest
The board has moved quickly to silence rumors regarding a potential move to Manchester City. Despite Pep Guardiola’s reported interest, Real Madrid officials have reiterated that Alexander-Arnold is the “cornerstone” of their future defense.
“Trent was signed to lead this position for years to come. His evolution is just beginning,” a club source stated, dismissing any claims that the player was unhappy or out of Arbeloa’s tactical plans.
The Week Ahead: Benfica and the Title Race
Before focusing on Rayo, Real Madrid must first travel to Lisbon to face Benfica in their final Champions League group-stage fixture. With a win, the Merengues aim to secure a top seed for the knockout rounds.
However, the pressure is highest in La Liga, where Real Madrid sits just one point behind leaders Barcelona. The return of Alexander-Arnold’s elite crossing ability could be the decisive factor in reclaiming the top spot this weekend.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
🆚 @SLBenfica pic.twitter.com/D0ucXJjp8Q— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 27, 2026
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
