Alexander-Arnold sidelined again as Madrid weigh the costs

December 5, 2025 Oliver Obel

Real Madrid left San Mamés with three points and a clearer title picture, but the mood shifted quickly once Trent Alexander-Arnold made his way down the tunnel. What began as one of the team’s more complete performances under Xabi Alonso ended with renewed uncertainty over a player the club had expected to rely on heavily this season.

The injury, coming just as the England international had returned from a previous layoff, has prompted early recalculations inside the club about squad depth and short-term tactical options.

A strong result overshadowed

Madrid’s 3–0 win over Athletic Club on Wednesday reported by outlets including Marca and the BBC featured two sharp finishes from Kylian Mbappé and a composed strike from Eduardo Camavinga. The result keeps Alonso’s side within a point of Barcelona, who sit atop La Liga with 37 points as the season approaches its halfway stage.

Alexander-Arnold started at right-back for the first time since recovering from a hamstring issue and quickly made an impact, supplying the cross for Mbappé’s opener. But roughly ten minutes into the second half, he slowed his stride, glanced toward the bench, and raised his hand a clear sign that something was wrong.

Raul Asencio replaced him moments later. Getty Images showed the defender walking off with a look of visible frustration, his adaptation to Spanish football still interrupted by physical setbacks.

Medical update and financial implications

Real Madrid confirmed the diagnosis the following day, stating that tests revealed “a muscle injury in the anterior rectum of the quadriceps of the left leg.”

The BBC reported that the recovery timeline is expected to be around two months, though the club will monitor his progress week to week.

Beyond the sporting impact, the absence carries financial weight. With Alexander-Arnold reportedly earning about £250,000 per week, Madrid could end up paying close to £2 million in wages during a period in which he is unavailable for selection. Under La Liga’s financial rules which place strict limits on wage-to-revenue ratios extended injuries can complicate roster planning, especially for clubs balancing large summer investments and long-term contracts.

Still, an earlier-than-expected return would reduce the cost and ease the pressure on Alonso’s rotation.

Alonso urges patience

Despite the disruption, Alonso has maintained steady support for the defender.

“Trent is a top player, and we need him. It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change,” he said, emphasizing that the club remains committed to the long-term vision behind the signing.

Madrid now shift focus to Sunday’s match against Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu. As things stand, they will be navigating the coming weeks without one of their marquee summer additions and hoping this latest setback is not a sign of more instability to come.

Sources: BBC, Marca, Real Madrid club statement