Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury sustained playing for Real Madrid. This impacts both his club career and his potential participation in England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, including a potential return to Anfield against Liverpool.
Real Madrid and England's right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury during Real Madrid's recent Champions League clash against Marseille. The setback could see the 26-year-old miss up to six weeks of action, dealing a blow to both club and country.
The unfortunate incident occurred early in Tuesday's match at the Bernabeu, with Alexander-Arnold forced to leave the field in the fifth minute after feeling discomfort in his left leg. Initial assessments suggest the injury is more serious than first feared, with sources indicating a recovery period of at least a month, potentially stretching to six weeks.
This injury comes at an inopportune moment for Alexander-Arnold, who recently completed a move to Real Madrid on June 1st after Liverpool agreed to release him from his contract. The defender was hoping to make a strong impression in his new surroundings, but now faces a period of rehabilitation before he can properly stake his claim in the Real Madrid squad.
The news will also be a concern for England manager Thomas Tuchel, who had already omitted Alexander-Arnold from the squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The extended layoff now makes him a major doubt for next month's crucial fixtures against Wales and Latvia, potentially disrupting England's preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Adding further significance to the injury, Alexander-Arnold is now in a race against time to be fit for Real Madrid's highly anticipated visit to Liverpool on November 4th. This match would mark his first return to Anfield since his high-profile transfer, making it a particularly significant occasion for the player. Missing out on this fixture would undoubtedly be a bitter pill to swallow for the Liverpool academy graduate.
Since joining Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has quickly integrated into the team, making five appearances for the club at the Club World Cup over the summer, where he contributed with two assists. He has also featured five times across all competitions in the 2025-26 season, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess from the right-back position.
Real Madrid will now have to reshuffle their defensive lineup in Alexander-Arnold's absence, with other options like Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez potentially stepping in to fill the void. For England, the focus will shift to finding suitable replacements at right-back, with the likes of Reece James, Kyle Walker, and Kieran Trippier all vying for a place in the starting eleven.
The injury setback is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change in an instant. Alexander-Arnold will now need to draw on his mental strength and resilience as he embarks on his rehabilitation journey, determined to return stronger and reclaim his place in both the Real Madrid and England squads.
The Liverpool faithful will certainly be eager to welcome him back to Anfield, regardless of which team he represents. His contributions to the club will never be forgotten. The hope for many is that he makes a speedy recovery and is back on the pitch doing what he does best as soon as possible. This unfortunate injury has temporarily halted what was shaping up to be a promising start to his Real Madrid career.
His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and his exceptional vision from deep positions will be missed by both club and country. Supporters will be watching closely as he aims to overcome this obstacle and get back to performing at the highest level.
Get well soon, Trent!