Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first Real Madrid minutes in weeks arrived at Mestalla on 8 February, and the timing felt as much about the calendar as confidence. Thrown on late against Valencia CF for roughly the final quarter-hour, he finally got a taste of match tempo after a 14-game absence.
Madrid’s right side is suddenly a problem to solve, not a luxury to rotate. With Jude Bellingham reported to be sidelined for around a month, Federico Valverde has been pushed into central midfield, tightening the options elsewhere and increasing the importance of stability at full-back.
That squeeze is about to be tested in Europe, with a Champions League trip to Estádio da Luz on 17 February. Against Valencia CF, David Jiménez filled in at right-back, while Dani Carvajal was named on the bench after a knee test in London was reported to have cleared him of any fresh issue.
In a schedule this tight, “readiness” becomes a minutes question. Trent has logged just 104 Champions League minutes for his new club, so even a short cameo matters for rhythm, sharpness and physical confidence.
What Madrid do with him now remains uncertain. Reports suggest a start against Real Sociedad is possible, but not confirmed, and the same applies to whether he’s trusted from kick-off in Lisbon.
