After a two-month injury layoff, the English full-back is back to bolster a depleted Merengue side missing Vini Jr. and Bellingham.
Real Madrid are finalising their preparations for a crucial La Liga Round 23 encounter against Valencia at the Mestalla this Sunday (8). While the club continues to navigate a severe injury crisis, the medical department has delivered a major boost: Trent Alexander-Arnold is officially back in the squad.
The Return of the “Playmaker” Full-Back
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Alexander-Arnold has fully recovered from the injury that has sidelined him since mid-December, when he last featured against Olympique de Marseille.
Although he is back in the matchday squad, coach Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to be cautious. After nearly two months out of action, Trent will likely start on the bench, with the coaching staff aiming to give him “meaningful minutes” in the second half to regain match fitness.
A Depleted Starting XI
The Englishman’s return is timely, as Real Madrid travels to Valencia with a heavily rotated squad. Arbeloa faces a tactical puzzle due to several high-profile absences:
- Attack: Vinícius Júnior is out due to suspension (yellow card accumulation).
- Midfield: Jude Bellingham remains sidelined with a recently diagnosed muscle injury.
- Defense: Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy are all still in the medical department, leaving the backline extremely thin.
The “Mestalla” Challenge
Currently trailing Arsenal in the European spotlight and fighting to close the gap at the top of La Liga, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points. The return of Trent’s elite crossing and vision provides a new attacking dimension, even in the absence of their main playmakers.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
