Arbeloa is searching for Trent Alexander-Arnold

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26/02/2026 16:57:34 ScoreStream

Following a challenging start to the season due to injuries, Trent Alexander-Arnold is anticipated as a new recruit for Real Madrid to assist Arbeloa in securing favorable outcomes.

Jude Bellingham’s injury forced Fede Valverde back into the central midfield, and as a domino effect, the role of a pure number 2 will be reinstated. The chosen player is Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alvaro Arbeloa wants him to "warm up" and get back into rhythm for the match at Da Luz on February 17th. The date and time have been set for the English player.

Therefore, the Spanish coach took the risk of bringing him back on in the last 15 minutes at Mestalla, even though the match was still at a risky one-goal difference and young talent David Jimenez was defending well on the right flank. This substitution was not forced by circumstances. Behind it lies a carefully planned path from the sports and medical departments at Valdebebas.

Before facing Valencia, Real Madrid had gone 14 matches without Trent in the lineup. That’s a long absence for one of the club’s most important signings. Thus, during the short break without midweek games—due to the Copa del Rey disaster against Albacete, which was Arbeloa’s debut—“Los Blancos” started reintegrating the former Liverpool defender without putting too much pressure on him.

Trent during the victory against Valencia

The Champions League is the target for him to reach his best form. "After a long time off, we will be cautious," Arbeloa said after the 2-0 win over Valencia. But saying and doing are different things. Trent still entered the field while the match at Mestalla was undecided, clearly showing a deeper need to accumulate minutes and build up kilometers on his legs.

Not rushing, but time is running out. Still, it remains to be seen whether the match against Sociedad this weekend will be as Arbeloa hinted—"We want him to gradually regain rhythm"—or if the 27-year-old will leap into the starting lineup. No need to hurry. Because there is David Jimenez, and Dani Carvajal—although he hasn’t played a minute in four consecutive games—has had a report from a London clinic since last week confirming his knee is fine.

Along with the pressure of chasing Barcelona, who theoretically could reach 100 points in La Liga, Real Madrid also faces two Champions League knockout matches against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica. The recent 2-4 loss in Lisbon prevented the Royal Club from finishing the group stage in the Top 8.

Next week, Arbeloa will travel to Portugal again without Bellingham, so Valverde will play midfield and he will very much need Trent. A significant challenge since Trent has only played 104 minutes for Madrid in the Champions League this season. Arbeloa and Real Madrid are seeking stability for the number 2 position, which has been unstable in recent months. Trent has just one more "testing ground" left, on Saturday. After that, Lisbon awaits.

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