Spanish TV cameras captured Dani Carvajal's frustration as Trent Alexander-Arnold made his injury comeback for Real Madrid in Sunday's 2-0 win over Valencia
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
12:01, 10 Feb 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has another positional rival at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Spanish television offered no respite to Trent Alexander-Arnold as tensions at Real Madrid intensified.
The former Liverpool defender returned to action at the weekend after a two-month injury absence, coming off the bench in the dying moments of Sunday's 2-0 win over Valencia. However, he wasn't brought on to replace right-back rival Dani Carvajal, but instead took the place of academy graduate David Jimenez.
Carvajal stayed on the bench unused, and his displeasure was clear as Alexander-Arnold took to the pitch. Spanish broadcasters made a point of training their cameras on the seasoned defender among the substitutes, capturing his expressionless, confused look.
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While Carvajal has had his own fitness struggles, he's been fit since early January, yet has managed just 27 minutes of action since.
The 34-year-old was later spotted looking noticeably frustrated whilst carrying out post-match exercises with Real's fitness coach. Sources close to the player told The Athletic he was "p----- off" about being overlooked but remained determined to graft in training.
Arbeloa, who was recently elevated from the B team to take over from the sacked Xabi Alonso as head coach, played down his decision not to bring on Carvajal, insisting he "didn't want to take any risks."
Dani Carvajal as Alexander-Arnold went on instead of him
Dani Carvajal as Alexander-Arnold went on instead of him(Image: beIN Sports)
However, that has done little to silence rumors of friction with Carvajal, whose contract expires in the summer.
After spending 23 years at the club, some feel Carvajal deserves more respectful handling. The focus on Carvajal's situation will probably increase pressure on Alexander-Arnold, who will be eager to end a challenging first season in Madrid on a high.
While Carvajal's possible exit this summer might offer encouragement, it's clear Alexander-Arnold now confronts new competition from 21-year-old Jimenez, who previously played under Arbeloa in the B team.
Since Arbeloa assumed control, there have been contradictory reports regarding Alexander-Arnold's future in Spain. Early claims suggested he wasn't included in the new manager's plans and had been told to find a new club this summer.
Subsequent reports have suggested that is incorrect. Arbeloa addressed Alexander-Arnold's return to action against Valencia.
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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.
"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 welcomes Real Sociedad on Saturday. Los Blancos trail Barcelona in the La Liga title race by just a point.