Real Madrid: Injury Crisis Deepens with Alexander-Arnold’s Setback

Real Madrid‘s convincing victory at San Mamés was meant to signal a turning point for the team, yet it has left a bitter taste in the mouth of fans and players alike. The match saw Trent Alexander-Arnold deliver his best performance in a Madrid shirt, only to suffer an injury that will sideline him for nearly two months. This setback is yet another blow to a defense already grappling with significant injuries. Dani Carvajal, expected to be a stalwart on the right flank, has also had a tumultuous start to the season, missing nine matches due to two separate injuries.

With Xabi Alonso now facing an urgent dilemma, he must turn to either Raúl Asencio or Federico Valverde to fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold. This is a solution Alonso hoped to avoid after a challenging summer transfer window. The central defense has not fared any better; despite having five center-backs in the squad, Alonso has frequently had to reposition Aurélien Tchouaméni to compensate for absences. Antonio Rüdiger has only appeared in three matches due to a lengthy absence of 15 games, while David Alaba has missed eight matches this season. Éder Militão is just returning from a double knee injury and is still working on regaining his form after missing two games. Meanwhile, Huijsen, brought in to rejuvenate and stabilize the rotation, has already been sidelined five times this season.

Defensive Woes Intensify

The irony of this situation is palpable; the most stable position within the Real Madrid squad was expected to be one of their most problematic areas in previous seasons. The left side has emerged as the most reliable zone, featuring an indomitable Carreras alongside an ever-available Fran García. In stark contrast, Ferland Mendy‘s struggles continue as he has only played one match and already faces twelve absences this season. This glaring discrepancy highlights the overall fragility of Madrid’s defensive lineup.

With a staggering total of 59 absences across the squad, Real Madrid’s defense is experiencing one of the worst starts to a season in recent history. As they prepare for their upcoming clash against Celta de Vigo, the situation appears dire; Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Alaba, and Mendy have all been confirmed as unavailable, while Huijsen remains uncertain until the last moment. For Xabi Alonso, it is becoming increasingly clear that despite the summer investments aimed at strengthening the squad, misfortune continues to plague his plans.