Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid after a difficult first season at the Bernabeu
Trent Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid training
Trent Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid training(Image: David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
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A difficult start to life at Real Madrid has prompted suggestions Trent Alexander-Arnold might make a speedy return to the Premier League. However, it appears reports of a rift between the defender and Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa are wide of the mark.
Alexander-Arnold moved to Spain over the summer after spending his entire career at Liverpool. Injuries have struck in a big way, though, with the England international playing just under 500 minutes so far this term and less than 400 in La Liga.
The situation has prompted concerns about the defender's chances of playing at the World Cup, while questions over his relationship with Arbeloa - who replaced Xabi Alonso in the dugout in January - sparked uncertainty over his future as a whole. However, recent reports from Spain indicate those concerns are nothing to worry about.
Arbeloa, like Alexander-Arnold, played at right-back for Liverpool before moving to the Bernabeu. While his situation is a little different to that of the academy graduate, there appears to be a level of understanding between player and coach.
According to Spanish publication AS, there is no truth to reports that Arbeloa doesn't like Alexander-Arnold or that he was looking to offload the defender. Rather, the player is said to have received assurances from the club from the moment he suffered his most recent injury setback against Athletic Club in early December, with the new boss also supportive in recent weeks.
Alexander-Arnold hasn't played since that win in Bilbao and has watched from afar as Alonso, the manager who brought him to Spain, made way for Arbeloa. However, the new boss is said to have been looking after the player during his recovery, with an eye to bringing him back into the fold this weekend.
Alvaro Arbeloa during Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
Alvaro Arbeloa is preparing to welcome Alexander-Arnold back after injury(Image: M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Fede Valverde started at right-back last time out as Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano. Specialist right-back Dani Carvajal was on the bench after recently recovering from an injury setback of his own but Alexander-Arnold could start ahead of the Spaniard if team-mate Valverde moves back into his usual midfield role on Sunday.
Real Madrid have won their last six league games and their next outing is away at a Valencia side who they beat 4-0 in November. Los Che, who finished 12th last season, go into the game just one point outside the relegation zone.
While Alexander-Arnold was back training with his team-mates in the lead-up to the game, Arbeloa is without some key players for the clash at the Mestalla. Vinicius Junior is suspended, while Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao are among those out injured.
England midfielder Bellingham left the field in tears after picking up a hamstring injury against Rayo last time out. The injury is expected to keep him out of his club's Champions League play-off against Benfica but he could return in time to feature for his country during the March international break.
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