Trent Alexander-Arnold Provides Fitness Update Ahead of Real Madrid Return
Trent Alexander-Arnold has offered supporters a positive glimpse into his rehabilitation progress via social media, as the defender moves ever closer to making his long-awaited comeback from injury at Real Madrid. The former Liverpool star has been absent from action since December due to a rectus femoris injury in his left quadriceps, and he is yet to feature under the club's new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa.
Injury Timeline and Training Resumption
The right-back is widely anticipated to return to competitive action next month, having already resumed training sessions with the Spanish giants. Alexander-Arnold's move to Madrid ahead of the 2025/26 season, which saw him join for a fee of £10 million prior to last summer's Club World Cup, has been hampered by fitness issues. These injuries have limited him to just eleven appearances across all competitions during the current campaign.
Despite recent speculation from Spanish media outlets suggesting that Arbeloa had informed Alexander-Arnold he does not feature in his long-term plans, these reports have been firmly refuted. Nevertheless, the player's time in the Spanish capital has not yet met his personal expectations, following his controversial decision to leave his childhood club, Liverpool, for a new adventure with Real.
Social Media Insights and Broader Concerns
Alexander-Arnold is now fully focused on putting his injury troubles behind him, actively sharing snapshots from his training regimen on Instagram as he works diligently towards regaining complete match fitness. This latest setback followed a previous hamstring problem, raising concerns not only about his future at Real Madrid but also regarding his prospects of securing a place in England's squad for the upcoming World Cup this summer.
His departure from Liverpool last year generated significant controversy, yet the defender received a heartfelt and emotional send-off from the club's supporters after his 354th and final appearance in May. Head coach Arne Slot expressed his delight at the time, stating, "He deserved it. I am very happy for him and everyone in and around the club that things worked out the way they did."
Slot further praised the fans, adding, "It went brilliantly when our fans are together. How brilliant they were before the Tottenham game, during the Tottenham game. Afterwards I don't think you see as many special celebrations as you saw four weeks ago. I don't think you see many celebrations like we had them today. It's no surprise to me that they were brilliant again today as they were throughout the whole season, as they were towards Trent."
As Alexander-Arnold continues his recovery, all eyes will be on his integration back into the Real Madrid first-team setup and his potential impact on both club and international fortunes in the coming months.
