Trent Alexander-Arnold’s start to life at Real Madrid has taken an early setback. The star defender suffered a hamstring injury during their first Champions League 2025-26 match. The 26-year-old joined Los Blancos from Liverpool only in the summer. Now he faces an uncertain spell on the sidelines.
His absence comes at a crucial stage of Madrid’s season. New head coach Xabi Alonso is already juggling injuries and suspensions in defense. Additionally, major fixtures are approaching them both domestically and in Europe. Hence, the timing could hardly have been worse for the Spanish giants.
The injury struck during Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu. Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled up just minutes into the match. He was seen clutching the back of his left thigh in visible pain. After a brief medical check, he was forced off in the fifth minute and replaced by Dani Carvajal.
Real Madrid released an official statement later that confirmed a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. According to reports from The Athletic, Madrid fear the full-back could be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Alonso tried to remain optimistic post-match, saying “It might not be as bad as it could be.” However, with this diagnosis, the injury seems quite bad.
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If the initial recovery timeline holds, then the Los Blancos defender is expected to miss a significant stretch of games across La Liga, the Champions League, and international duty with England. These are the games, he is anticipated to miss –
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His potential unavailability for the Anfield clash against Liverpool is particularly symbolic. It would have marked his first return to his boyhood club since he left them during the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Madrid’s defensive options are stretched with his absence as well.
Especially with Carvajal’s suspension in Europe following his red card against Marseille. Alonso may need to turn to makeshift solutions. This would include shifting Federico Valverde into right-back or calling up 18-year-old Jesús Fortea from Castilla. For Alexander-Arnold, this setback continues a frustrating run of injuries in 2025.
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