Alexander-Arnold’s Future at Real Madrid: Injury Setbacks and Managerial Changes

omidbasir- Injury concerns have hindered Trent Alexander-Arnold’s progress as he seeks to establish himself among the elite at the Santiago Bernabéu. Since making his debut at the FIFA Club World Cup, his appearances for Real Madrid have been limited, with the last of his 11 matches occurring on December 3.

A coaching shift has occurred since then, with Xabi Alonso relieved of his duties early in 2026. The former World Cup winner reportedly had disagreements with key players, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, and displayed limited faith in Alexander-Arnold, despite occasionally acknowledging his potential long-term value to the team.

Following Alonso’s departure, Álvaro Arbeloa has taken over managerial responsibilities. It has been indicated that Arbeloa communicated to Alexander-Arnold that he would not feature prominently in future plans, suggesting that the Premier League champion consider seeking a new club with the January transfer window open.

Speculation regarding a return to England has arisen, particularly linking him to Manchester City. However, The Athletic has sought to dispel these rumors, citing multiple sources asserting that Alexander-Arnold is indeed part of Real Madrid’s long-term vision. He is reportedly nearing a return from injury, and Arbeloa is expected to rely on him in the upcoming months.

The club has requested patience since Alexander-Arnold’s arrival, maintaining confidence in his abilities. He has been training with the first-team squad in preparation for a Champions League match against José Mourinho’s Benfica this Wednesday and is reportedly looking in good form.

Alexander-Arnold is likely to rejoin a more positive environment than when he last participated, as Arbeloa works to foster a more uplifting atmosphere following the challenges faced under Alonso’s leadership. Reports indicate that the mood within the Madrid dressing room has improved, with players appearing more committed to the cause.

Concerns were initially raised regarding Arbeloa’s capability to manage the club under pressure, given his limited coaching experience at the highest level. However, his familiarity with the demands of life at the Bernabéu from his playing days may prove beneficial.

Despite a challenging start to his tenure, which included a disappointing Copa del Rey loss to second-division Albacete, recent performances have seen a resurgence, with supporters rallying behind the team as they chase La Liga honors, currently sitting just one point behind rivals Barcelona with 17 matches left in the season.

Alexander-Arnold aspires to contribute significantly to both domestic and European campaigns, with Champions League advancement still a goal. He also has international aspirations, having made only one appearance for England under current manager Thomas Tuchel. However, Tuchel has indicated that he will not select players on the fringes of their club teams, thereby setting a clear challenge for Alexander-Arnold. With time on his side, it remains uncertain how long he will stay in Madrid, having signed a contract extending until 2031, but a departure seems unlikely for now.