The former Liverpool captain hasn't had a smooth start to life at Real Madrid and now faces further competition for his place after returning from injury at the weekend
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold faces further competition at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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Trent Alexander-Arnold could face fresh competition for his Real Madrid place following the emergence of academy prospect David Jimenez. The 21‑year‑old, who joined the club's youth system in 2013, made his senior debut in December during the 3-2 Copa del Rey win over Talavera de la Reina.
Since then, he has been included regularly in matchday squads and earned his first La Liga start against Valencia last Sunday. Alexander‑Arnold featured as a substitute in that game, marking his return from a muscle injury sustained in early December that sidelined him for seven league matches.
As the England international works to secure a permanent spot in Alvaro Arbeloa's line‑up, Spanish newspaper Marca state that he now faces a new challenge in the form of Jimenez. The youngster's recent performances have 'propelled him into the fold,' and he is said to be 'firmly' in the club's plans for next season.
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The report adds that Real Madrid are set to hold talks with Jimenez regarding his future, discussions that could open the door to more first‑team minutes.
It's also noted that the club intend to extend his contract.
Dani Carvajal is expected to leave the La Liga giants at the end of the season, bringing a 22‑year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu to a close.
Alexander‑Arnold, meanwhile, will be heading into his second year at the club after leaving Liverpool, with his move finalised just weeks before his contract on Merseyside was due to expire. His stint hasn't exactly been smooth sailing.
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Arbeloa, has allegedly told the full-back he is free to depart in the summer, as he doesn't feature in the long-term strategy.
Although he made his return from injury at the weekend, Arbeloa explained why Real are still managing Alexander‑Arnold's workload carefully.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his return from injury last weekend(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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"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."