Xabi Alonso Provides Injury Update on Trent Alexander-Arnold After Real Madrid Champions League Win Over Marseille

Real Madrid may have secured a vital opening-night victory in the Champions League, but their 2-1 comeback win over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu came at a cost. Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first-ever Champions League start for Los Blancos, was forced off inside five minutes with a suspected hamstring injury.

The Englishman’s early exit left Madrid scrambling for a solution, with veteran full-back Dani Carvajal coming on to replace him. Carvajal’s night would later end in controversy as he was sent off in the 72nd minute for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli.

After the game, Xabi Alonso spoke candidly about Alexander-Arnold’s condition, offering cautious optimism about the injury and stressing that Madrid will need to be “creative” with their solutions at right-back if both of their first-choice options are unavailable this weekend.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Forced Off Early vs Marseille

Trent Alexander–Arnold Real Madrid 2025-26

The sight of Trent Alexander-Arnold limping off the pitch just minutes into the match was a blow for Madrid fans, who had been excited to see their marquee summer signing make his Champions League debut.

Alexander-Arnold had been eased into life in Spain, starting last weekend’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad on the bench before coming on in the second half. Tuesday night was meant to be his big moment, but his evening was over before it had even begun.

The former Liverpool star appeared to pull up while tracking back during an early Marseille attack and immediately signalled to the bench that he could not continue. Carvajal was quickly called upon, and while the experienced Spaniard initially slotted in well, his reckless clash with Rulli in the second half left Madrid down to 10 men at a crucial stage.

Xabi Alonso’s Update on Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury

xabi alonso

Speaking after the game, Xabi Alonso was measured but positive about the situation. “We’ll wait a bit; maybe it’s not as bad as it seems,” said the Madrid manager. “We have to be creative in finding solutions. [Raúl] Asencio came in well. [Eduardo] Camavinga and Jude [Bellingham] are back and will be able to play on Saturday.”

Alonso’s comments suggest that Madrid may avoid a worst-case scenario with Alexander-Arnold, but the club will likely conduct further scans to determine the full extent of the injury. A hamstring issue could sideline the England international for several weeks, which would leave Alonso short on options at right-back heading into a busy period.

Kylian Mbappé Secures Win for 10-Man Madrid

Despite the defensive disruption, Madrid’s attacking firepower once again got them over the line. Timothy Weah had given Marseille a shock early lead, capitalising on Madrid’s disjointed start after Alexander-Arnold’s exit.

But Kylian Mbappé – the man Madrid fans are hoping will spearhead another Champions League triumph – was in no mood to let points slip away on home soil. The Frenchman equalised from the penalty spot after Rodrygo was brought down, calmly slotting past Rulli.

Even after Carvajal’s red card left Madrid a man down with 18 minutes to play, Mbappé delivered again. A late handball by Facundo Medina gave Los Blancos another penalty, and once more Mbappé converted, sending the Bernabéu into raptures.

The result means Madrid take three points from their opening group-stage clash, despite a chaotic night defensively.

Real Madrid’s Right-Back Dilemma Ahead of Espanyol Clash

Madrid return to domestic action this Saturday when they host Espanyol in La Liga. The Catalan side have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far, sitting third in the table and boasting an unbeaten record.

If Alexander-Arnold is not fit in time and with Carvajal suspended for his red card, Xabi Alonso will have to look for an alternative solution at right-back. As he mentioned post-match, Raúl Asencio could be handed a start, while there is also the option of using Fede Valverde in a more defensive role – something Madrid have experimented with in the past.

This selection puzzle could define Madrid’s performance not just on Saturday but in the coming weeks. With Champions League group-stage matches coming thick and fast and La Liga already shaping up to be a tight title race, Alonso will not want to be without his first-choice right-back for long.

A Positive Night With a Bitter Edge

Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid 2025-26

For Madrid, the victory over Marseille will be remembered as a show of resilience and character – a game in which their talisman Mbappé delivered under pressure, and the team responded to adversity. But it also serves as a reminder that their defensive depth may be tested this season.

For Alexander-Arnold, the injury is a frustrating setback just as he was beginning to settle into life in Spain. Fans will hope the damage is minimal and that he can return quickly to make the right flank his own.

Until then, Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid 2025-26must find solutions, as Alonso put it. And if Tuesday night showed anything, it’s that this Real Madrid side has the mentality to overcome obstacles – even when those obstacles appear within the first five minutes.