Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Real Madrid action didn't go down well with another player at the club
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has another positional rival at Real Madrid(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Spanish television didn't do Trent Alexander-Arnold any favours as tensions at Real Madrid went up a notch. The ex-Liverpool star made his comeback at the weekend following a two-month injury layoff, entering the fray as a substitute in the closing stages of Sunday's 2-0 victory over Valencia.
But he didn't come on for right-back rival Dani Carvajal, instead replacing youth product David Jimenez. Carvajal remained unused on the substitutes' bench, and his frustration was evident as Alexander-Arnold entered the field.
Spanish broadcasters deliberately focused their cameras on the experienced defender sitting amongst the substitutes, capturing his blank, bewildered expression. While Carvajal has battled his own fitness issues, he's been available since early January, only to play just 27 minutes since then.
The 34-year-old was subsequently seen looking visibly irritated while completing post-match exercises with Real's fitness coach. Sources close to the player told The Athletic he was "p***** off" about being left on the sidelines but remained committed to working hard in training.
Arbeloa, who was recently promoted from the B team to replace the dismissed Xabi Alonso as head coach, downplayed his choice not to introduce Carvajal, maintaining he "didn't want to take any risks". But that has done little to quash speculation of tension with Carvajal, whose deal runs out in the summer.
After 23 years at the club, there's a sense in some circles that Carvajal merits better treatment. The spotlight on Carvajal's circumstances will likely heighten scrutiny on Alexander-Arnold, who will be hoping to finish a difficult debut campaign in Madrid on a positive note.
While Carvajal's potential departure this summer could be encouraging news for him, it's evident he now faces fresh competition from 21-year-old Jimenez, who worked under Arbeloa in the B team.
Dani Carvajal as Alexander-Arnold went on instead of him
Dani Carvajal as Alexander-Arnold went on instead of him(Image: beIN Sports)
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Since Arbeloa took charge, there have been conflicting reports about Alexander-Arnold's future in Spain. Initial suggestions claimed he wasn't part of the new manager's plans and had been instructed to seek a new club this summer.
Later reports have indicated that is inaccurate. Arbeloa discussed Alexander-Arnold's return to the pitch against Valencia. He said: "After being out for a long time, we are taking the same approach with him as we will with others returning from injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid enters the pitch to replace David Jimenez as a substitute
Alexander-Arnold comes on for David Jimenez against Valencia(Image: Getty Images)
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"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."
Real Madrid, who sit one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, host Real Sociedad on Saturday.
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