Real Madrid issue Alexander-Arnold statement as ex-Liverpool ace dealt new blow

Real Madrid issue Trent Alexander-Arnold statement as ex-Liverpool star suffers hammer blow

Trent Alexander-Arnold registered his first assist in a Real Madrid shirt during the La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao but is now facing another spell on the sidelines

Real Madrid have confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a muscular injury in their midweek win over Athletic Bilbao. It is just the latest setback for the England international, who has struggled with injuries since joining from Liverpool.

"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," a club statement read.

Reports in Spain, following on from Los Blancos' statement, estimate the England defender could be sidelined for around two months as a result of the issue.

His injury means he will almost certainly miss out on a return to England next week when Real Madrid lock horns with Manchester City in a mouthwatering Champions League clash, while Alexander-Arnold will also be absent for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold's injury blow is the latest challenge that the 27-year-old has had to endured since swapping Anfield for the Bernabeu in the summer.

The talented right-back has struggled to cement a place in Xabi Alonso's first-choice team, partly due to a hamstring issue which forced him to miss seven games earlier in the campaign.

Unfortunately, his signing has been questioned in some quarters following some underwhelming displays, with Spanish media once again tearing into Alexander-Arnold following Real's 3-0 over Bilbao - even though he grabbed a fine assist during the game.

Sport were brutal in their assessment of Alexander-Arnold's game, branding him as a "signing who continues to disappoint".

"Trent Alexander-Arnold is failing to take off at Real Madrid," read one passage. "His performances are unconvincing, and his physical condition doesn't allow him the time to adapt to his new reality and truly shine at the club.In a comfortable match for Real Madrid at Athletic Club's stadium, the joy couldn't be complete."

The report added: "In Bilbao, Trent played his eleventh official match for Real Madrid. So far, he has accumulated 392 minutes of complete insignificance...Trent's muscle problems are compounding his lack of adaptation. Real Madrid gambled on a player with undeniable technical talent, but his inability to fight back is condemning him to be a failed signing."

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