Trent Alexander-Arnold got his first Real Madrid assist before being forced off due to his latest injury setback, with some sections of the Spanish press not exactly sympathetic
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid looks dejected after the team's defeat in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold was slated by sections of the Spanish media despite his best display in Real Madrid colours to date
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Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has encountered another blow in Spain after sustaining his latest injury. The England international was delivering his finest performance for Real Madrid before being forced off during Wednesday's 3-0 victory at Athletic Club.
It took Alexander-Arnold fewer than seven minutes to register his first assist for Real in La Liga, setting up Kylian Mbappe for the opening goal. He was also instrumental in Eduardo Camavinga's second, delivering a pass to Mbappe at the far post before the Frenchman assisted his compatriot.
Some Spanish media outlets showed sympathy towards Alexander-Arnold, recognising the defender's potential before his 55th-minute withdrawal. However, other coverage was less forgiving, with Sport headlining its recap: "Trent, a Real Madrid signing who continues to disappoint."
"Trent Alexander-Arnold is failing to take off at Real Madrid," read one passage. "His performances are unconvincing, and his physical condition doesn't allow him the time to adapt to his new reality and truly shine at the club.In a comfortable match for Real Madrid at Athletic Club's stadium, the joy couldn't be complete."
The report added: "In Bilbao, Trent played his eleventh official match for Real Madrid. So far, he has accumulated 392 minutes of complete insignificance...Trent's muscle problems are compounding his lack of adaptation. Real Madrid gambled on a player with undeniable technical talent, but his inability to fight back is condemning him to be a failed signing."
Sport claims Real are "already doubting" whether signing Alexander-Arnold was "the right move." Madrid-based daily AS highlighted some positives from his display before painting a bleak picture following his latest setback.
"And it's especially painful for the player and for Real Madrid, as this new problem arose on the day Trent was having his best game in a white shirt," the report stated. "It was a sudden burst of energy and a sudden halt, much to Xabi Alonso's dismay."
Alexander-Arnold looked to be in discomfort when Athletic midfielder Alejandro Rego stepped on his ankle. Footage revealed the Englishman's joint twisted at a concerning angle, though he initially continued playing.
Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold receives treatment following an injury against Athletic Club
Alexander-Arnold was forced off early in the second half against Athletic Club
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It eventually became too much after Trent appeared to experience discomfort in his leg following a long-range pass in the 55th minute. He gestured for a substitution and was quickly replaced by Raul Asencio.
Alexander-Arnold was previously ruled out for approximately six weeks after suffering a hamstring tear earlier in the campaign. Combined with other setbacks, it amounts to a sluggish first season in Madrid so far, with the defender yet to reach the standards anticipated following his £10million summer switch from Liverpool.
Earlier this week, the player failed to make an impression during Real's frustrating 1-1 stalemate against Girona. A separate report from Marca at the time even described the England international as "clueless" in one aspect of his performance.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF gets injured during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF at San Mames
The England international could be eyeing another spell on the sidelines
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"Now that Trent is here, he seems like a clueless and insubstantial player, with the expression of a rabbit in the headlights," read the report following Sunday's draw. "His quality at set pieces is masked by his right foot, but in open play he is non-existent."
Almost as though responding directly to that criticism, Alexander-Arnold demonstrated his effectiveness in open play with two decisive contributions at San Mames. Nevertheless, the visit to Bilbao concluded disappointingly following his latest setback.
The severity of Alexander-Arnold's most recent strain remains unclear but presents a fresh headache for Reds legend Alonso. The Liverpool legend is already managing without injured skipper Dani Carvajal, potentially leaving Federico Valverde to deputise at right-back once more should Alexander-Arnold face another period on the sidelines.
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