Real Madrid have been dealt a significant setback after England international Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out for approximately two months with a thigh injury sustained during Los Blancos’ 3–0 victory over Athletic Club.

The 27-year-old right-back, who made the high-profile switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid in June, has endured a frustrating debut season in Spain, with injuries limiting him to only 11 appearances across all competitions so far.

Injury Strikes After First La Liga Assist

Alexander-Arnold had just delivered his first La Liga assist in the convincing win at San Mamés, showcasing the elite playmaking qualities that made him one of Europe’s most coveted defenders.

However, only 10 minutes into the second half, he pulled up while chasing the ball and immediately signalled for medical attention. He left the pitch visibly distressed, with Real Madrid staff quickly realising the seriousness of the injury.

Sources have since confirmed to BBC Sport that the defender is expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks.

A Difficult Start to Life in Madrid

This latest setback adds to Alexander-Arnold’s challenging introduction to Spanish football. Earlier in the season, he missed six weeks due to a hamstring strain, disrupting his adaptation to Carlo Ancelotti’s system and Real Madrid’s demanding tactical expectations.

His limited availability has prevented him from forming a consistent partnership with his new teammates, especially with the club’s defensive structure relying heavily on full-backs progressing the ball.

Real Madrid Face Defensive Shortage

The timing of his injury is especially problematic for Real Madrid as they are already without Dani Carvajal, who is recovering from a separate injury and is not expected to return until early 2026.

With both senior right-backs unavailable, Real Madrid may need to rely on versatile Uruguayan Federico Valverde to cover the position – a role he has performed in the past when the squad faced similar shortages.

Valverde’s athleticism and tactical intelligence make him a reliable temporary solution, but the reshuffling could affect Madrid’s midfield balance during a crucial stretch of the season.

Key Matches at Risk

Alexander-Arnold is now set to miss:

• Several La Liga fixtures
• A likely Champions League knockout tie
• The Spanish Super Cup preparations
• Potential early 2026 fixtures, depending on recovery speed

Real Madrid’s medical team will aim to ensure he is fit for the decisive stages of the season, but recurring muscle injuries often require careful load management to prevent re-aggravation.

Looking Ahead

For Alexander-Arnold, the priority will be making a full recovery and finally building momentum in his first campaign at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid fans will hope that once he returns, he can show the elite delivery, passing range, and attacking intelligence that made him one of Europe’s standout full-backs at Liverpool.