Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence explained as Real Madrid star misses Man City clash

Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss his club's Champions League game against Manchester City

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss Real Madrid's game against Manchester City(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold absence from Manchester City clash explained

• Injury issue: Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Real Madrid's Champions League match against Manchester City after suffering an injury last week. He is set to be out for around two months with a quad issue.
• Real Madrid statement: "Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player, Trent Alexander-Arnold, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the rectus anterior quadriceps in his left leg. His progress will be monitored.”
• Alexander-Arnold response: “Absolutely gutted about this one," he posted on social media. “The timing of it hurts but I will work hard to come back stronger and better! See you in 2026 Madridistas.”
• Man City absence: It means he will be absent from the Champions League clash against his former Premier League rivals City. The ex-Liverpool star is one of several absentees for Madrid, including fellow right-back Dani Carvajal.
• Impact on other fixtures: The injury will also see Alexander-Arnold miss the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid. A possible two-month spell on the sidelines will also give the full-back limited time to impress England boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the March international break.
• Alexander-Arnold's injury issues: It is the latest in a series of struggles for him since his move to the Spanish giants in the summer. Earlier this season, a hamstring issue forced the 27-year-old to miss seven games, leading to an inconsistent start.
• Media criticism: Alexander-Arnold’s arrival has already come under the spotlight in the Spanish media. Sport brutally branded the England international as a "signing who continues to disappoint."
• Injury context: The injury occurred during Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. The defender had registered his first assist for his new club before being forced off.
• Liverpool response: He has received support from some of his former Liverpool team-mates on social media. In the comments of Alexander-Arnold's post, Andy Robertson wrote: “Stay positive brother” with a red heart emoji. Jordan Henderson responded with a praying and red heart emoji.
• READ MORE: Real Madrid problems mount as nine players could miss Man City match