This season, Trent Alexander-Arnold has played in 17 matches for Real Madrid, with 12 of those appearances being starts.

Last weekend, Trent Alexander-Arnold's substitution into Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Valencia generated significant interest, marking the former Liverpool right-back's return to action.

Following a two-month layoff, Real Madrid supporters had limited opportunities to see Alexander-Arnold in action this season.

Since his transfer to the Spanish club in June 2025, Alexander-Arnold has been restricted to just 17 appearances across all competitions.

His progress has been hindered by two separate injuries, preventing him from establishing a consistent rhythm and building a connection with the team's supporters.

The departure of Xabi Alonso, with whom Alexander-Arnold had developed a relationship, has also had an impact, as Alonso's tenure as manager lasted less than eight months.

Now that he has regained fitness, the timing appears significant, as the season is entering a critical phase and Alexander-Arnold has the opportunity to reestablish himself.

Real Madrid players have been training while wearing masks, sparking curiosity.

The sudden appointment of Arbeloa has caused a stir in Madrid, leaving many to wonder if the decision was hasty or strategic.

Alexander-Arnold began the 2025-26 season by sharing right-back duties with Dani Carvajal, following a strong performance in the Club World Cup where he started five of six matches.

Spanish media outlets praised his early performances, noting that he showcased his ability to move into the center from the full-back position.

However, his campaign was soon disrupted by a hamstring injury sustained during Madrid's opening Champions League match in September, which kept him out for seven weeks and was seen as a setback for his new chapter at the club.

His return to action in November was particularly notable, as he faced his former club Liverpool at Anfield.

He made five more appearances, with the Spanish newspaper AS suggesting that initial criticism of Alexander-Arnold stemmed from a lack of understanding of his footballing abilities.

Momentum was building, and fans were starting to see the benefits of his signing, but a thigh injury against Athletic Club in December led to another two-month layoff.

Alexander-Arnold expressed his disappointment, stating that he was "absolutely gutted" by the injury.

The setback resulted in him missing 14 matches, until his return to action last weekend.

Despite playing only the final 15 minutes of the match, Alexander-Arnold's return was met with a largely positive reaction from supporters.

On social media, fans expressed their enthusiasm, with many commenting on his performance.

One fan noted that Alexander-Arnold's minutes against Valencia felt like a prime performance, and that the team's style of play changed with his introduction.

Another fan suggested that Alexander-Arnold should start every match, given the impact he had on the game when he came on.

Fans also praised his passing ability, stating that it was satisfying to watch and that football had missed him.

The impressive performance has raised expectations, particularly with the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League knockout tie against Benfica approaching.

However, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has emphasized the need for caution, prioritizing Alexander-Arnold's full recovery.

Arbeloa stated that the team is taking a cautious approach with Alexander-Arnold, similar to other players returning from injury, to ensure he finds his rhythm and best form.

Arbeloa's comments were his first public address regarding Alexander-Arnold, and they alleviated earlier speculation that the player might not be part of his long-term plans.

The statement signaled that Alexander-Arnold remains a central figure in the club's vision, and Arbeloa's own experience as a former right-back for Liverpool and Real Madrid may help strengthen their relationship.

With Federico Valverde moving back to a central midfield role due to Jude Bellingham's injury, the right-back position has become more fluid, creating an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to feature more prominently.

Arbeloa now has multiple options for the right-back position, including captain Dani Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Valverde as an emergency option, and academy player David Jimenez.

Carvajal's season has been marred by injuries and knee surgery, and despite being fit, he has barely played under Arbeloa, with his last start dating back to September.

The situation is complex, given that Carvajal's contract expires in the summer and there has been little progress in renewing it.

This context positions Alexander-Arnold to become Madrid's primary option at right-back once fully fit, with Valverde and Jimenez serving as alternatives.

It remains to be seen how Arbeloa will manage Alexander-Arnold's reintegration, whether by gradually easing him back into the starting lineup or giving him a key role in upcoming fixtures.

At this stage, Alexander-Arnold's chances of making England's World Cup squad appear slim, primarily due to his limited minutes at the club level.

International selection typically prioritizes form and fitness, and the England coaching staff are likely to favor players who consistently compete at the highest level.

Alexander-Arnold has not had the opportunity to demonstrate the consistency required to challenge for a place in the squad.

He was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup qualifying squad in August, with Tuchel citing competition from other players as the reason.

Tuchel expressed admiration for Alexander-Arnold's talent and personality but chose Reece James and Tino Livramento instead.

Even if Alexander-Arnold delivers exceptional performances for Real Madrid in the coming weeks, the competition for the England right-back position remains strong.

The challenge for Alexander-Arnold to secure a spot in the England squad will be significant, given the talent and form of other players vying for the position.

As Tuchel readies his team for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March, the focus is expected to be on selecting players who have demonstrated consistent performance over time.

Tuchel has also acknowledged the player's abilities, stating that he is "a great player who will always be in contention", indicating that the player remains a strong candidate for selection.

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