Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold returned from injury as a substitute in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Valencia while Dani Carvajal was left out of the squad
Trent Alexander Arnold of Real Madrid
Trent Alexander Arnold left Liverpool last summer to join Real Madrid(Image: Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold could have the opportunity to secure the starting right-back position at Real Madrid. The 27-year-oldleft the Reds last summer to sign for the La Liga giants on a permanent transfer, with the deal finalised weeks ahead of his contract expiring at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold has since endured injury setbacks during his maiden campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, limiting him to merely 12 in appearances all competitions.
On Sunday, Alexander-Arnold made his comeback from a hamstring injury, featuring as a substitute in Madrid's 2-0 victory against Valencia in La Liga.
Interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa chose to field academy star David Jimenez at right-back, with Alexander-Arnold named amongst the substitutes for his injury return.
Real Madrid icon Dani Carvajal was omitted from the matchday squad by Arbeloa, with The Athletic reporting that the full-back was considerably unhappy about his absence from the team.
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Carvajal is said to have been unhappy about missing Madrid's match with Valencia, and showed visible frustration during a training drill session following the fixture.
Despite his reported discontent at being left out of Madrid's most recent match, Carvajal is reported to remain committed to intense training as his current contract nears its conclusion. Carvajal's contract in Madrid is due to run out at the end of this season, and the 34-year-old only recently returned from a knee injury a few weeks ago.
Despite not including Carvajal in the matchday squad, interim Madrid manager Arbeloa justified his decision and highlighted the defender's significance within the team.
“I’ll be very clear. I’m seeing Dani [Carvajal] improve in training day by day, gradually,” Arbeloa stated on Sunday.
“Obviously, I’m not going to take any risks. When we had days off, he was at Valdebebas working.
“Inside the dressing room, I don’t need to explain the importance of Dani. He’s the one who always has something to say before and after matches.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been sent another brutal message
Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned from injury for Real Madrid(Image: (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images))
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“On the day of Rayo [Vallecano], today, you always hear him. It’s very important for the players to have a reference like him in the dressing room, and I’m sure he’s going to find his best form.
“With the patience and effort we’re putting in and his dedication, I’m confident that he’s getting closer to regaining his relevance.”
With Carvajal's future becoming increasingly uncertain as his contract nears its end, it could open up an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to step into the starting right-back role at Madrid.
After returning from injury over the weekend, Arbeloa explained why Madrid are still being cautious with Alexander-Arnold's fitness.
“As for Trent, after being out for a long time, we are taking the same approach with him as we will with others returning from injury,” Arbeloa said.
“We are proceeding cautiously and calmly because what we want is for him to find his rhythm, his best playing form, and that’s how it will be with Trent.”
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