TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD FITNESS CONFIRMED BY ALONSO AFTER INTERNATIONAL SETBACK NOW
Xabi Alonso says Trent Alexander-Arnold's form has improved after an international break of intensive training, giving Real Madrid "more options" at right-back with Dani Carvajal still injured.
Xabi Alonso has highlighted that Trent Alexander-Arnold is presently "in better form," attributing this improvement to the extensive training he undertook during the international break. This enhancement, according to the Real Madrid head coach, provides him with "more options" for the right defensive position.
Earlier this month, Thomas Tuchel omitted the full-back from the England squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injuries that have affected the beginning of his inaugural La Liga season. Meanwhile, fellow right-back Dani Carvajal remains out with a long-term injury.
The last time Alexander-Arnold started a match was over two months ago, during Madrid’s 2-1 win against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, but he played only five minutes before suffering a hamstring injury.
Since then, his appearances have been minimal, with just nine minutes of play in Real’s 1-0 defeat against his former team Liverpool on November 4, where he faced jeers from the home supporters. He also played merely seven minutes in a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano earlier this month.
"In this international break, we have worked with Trent, both as a group and individually, due to the injuries he’s faced," Alonso shared during a press conference on Saturday ahead of Madrid’s matchup with Elche.
"Trent being in better form opens up more possibilities for us in that area, along with other players available. Fede [Valverde] is still an option at right-back, and Trent is in good condition now. [Eder] Militao has recently played as a right-back with Brazil, and Raul [Asencio] can also fill that role. We have several alternatives."
Recent matches against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano have prompted criticism, as the team struggled to score in both contests, with striker Kylian Mbappe failing to produce a single shot on target across the two games.
Barcelona’s 4-0 triumph over Athletic Club, marking their return to the Camp Nou after two years, has pushed Real down from the top position in La Liga, but any positive result against Elche will see them regain the lead in the standings.
“We couldn’t find the net against Liverpool or Vallecas, but it’s not solely on Kylian; it’s a team effort,” Alonso defended the forward. “When we struggle to score, we need to explore other avenues: utilising wingers, midfielders, and set pieces. . . I do not doubt that the goals will come back.”
“We understand our position and the expectations at Real Madrid. We push ourselves hard after every match. There’s no need to weigh it down any further than that.”
While Militao’s injury during international play was disappointing, Alonso confirmed that fellow central defender Antonio Rudiger is nearing a return.
“It’s great news that [Rudiger] is making progress,” Alonso noted. “He likely won’t be available for tomorrow’s match, but we’ll assess the situation for the game in Athens [against Olympiacos]. His quality and experience are vital for us.
“Militao’s injury is not severe, but we will miss him, and having Toni back as soon as possible is very encouraging.”
Every one of the international players is in good spirits, and the environment is positive. As we travel to Elche, it’s important to note that although they are a newly promoted team, they are performing at a commendable level.
This match will be challenging. The situation hasn’t changed; we are eager to take on these matches in La Liga and the Champions League, as they hold great significance. We must have the full support of our squad.
WHY DID REAL MADRID CHOOSE TO KEEP ENDRICK DESPITE MASSIVE PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST?
After a stellar loan at Lyon, Endrick will return to Real Madrid this summer alongside Jacobo Ramón to form a new youth core.
Real Madrid has zero plans to let Endrick leave this summer. That’s what we’re hearing, even with Arsenal and Chelsea knocking on their door. We’ve also got some updates on Jacobo Ramon’s future.
Endrick is finishing his loan at Lyon on a high note. He’s put up seven goals and seven assists in just 18 games, and people are excited about what he could do long-term.
The 19-year-old forward from Brazil wanted more game time after struggling for chances with Xabi Alonso in charge at Madrid, so he pushed for a loan. Now, with Alonso gone, Endrick’s focused on forcing his way into Brazil’s World Cup squad, and honestly, the way he’s been playing lately, he’s making a strong argument.
Big clubs are paying attention. Arsenal and Chelsea have both checked in recently to see if Madrid would be open to a deal for him this summer.
But Madrid’s answer? No chance. They’ve told both clubs straight up: Endrick’s coming back to the Bernabéu, and he’s in their first-team plans for next season.
Endrick’s on board with that, too. He wants to stay and fight for a spot, a real chance to prove himself as a regular in Madrid’s lineup.
Florentino Perez backs him all the way; he still believes Endrick is the best young talent out there. The club isn’t about to change its mind.
Endrick’s not the only Madrid youth getting attention from the Premier League. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been checking in about Jacobo Ramon, the young centre-back playing for Como in Italy right now.
Ramon’s been playing alongside Nico Paz under Cesc Fabregas and has done well. Even though he moved from Madrid to Como last summer, Madrid made sure to keep buy-back and sell-on clauses, so it’s almost like he’s still a Madrid player on loan.
Now, the plan is for Ramon to return to Madrid this summer with Endrick and Paz. The club’s looking to keep its young core together and build the future around them.
Lots of clubs are watching Ramon; more than six want to sign him. But honestly, Madrid’s stance is pretty clear: just like with Endrick, they aren’t budging.
So for Arsenal, Chelsea, and anyone else hoping to swoop in, the message is simple. Madrid is keeping their best young talents. They’re not letting them go.
HOW HECTOR BELLERIN’S 94TH-MINUTE STUNNER PUSHED REAL MADRID TO THE TITLE BRINK
Real Madrid's title hopes faded after a 1-1 draw with Real Betis. Discover the impact of Bellerin’s goal and Mbappe’s injury.
Real Madrid’s La Liga dreams took a big hit Friday night when Héctor Bellerín scored a 94th-minute equaliser, earning Real Betis a 1-1 draw. With that late goal, Madrid now sit eight points behind Barcelona, and if Barça win their next match, they could pull even further away with just a handful of games left.
Madrid actually started strong in Seville. Vinícius Jr took advantage of a goalkeeping mistake and put them ahead early in the 17th minute. After that, Madrid had control for large stretches, but it just didn’t translate into goals. Kylian Mbappé had one ruled out for offside, and Jude Bellingham, along with the rest of Madrid’s attack, missed some big chances. It all came back to haunt them when, in the dying seconds, Bellerín capitalised on the chaos at the back and smashed in the equaliser.
People are talking about Madrid’s defence and not in a good way. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet for ten straight league games. The last time the backline struggled this much in a single season was way back in 2003-04, when Carlos Queiroz was in charge. This run has cost Madrid dearly, with dropped points piling up right when the title race is heating up.
This result marks Madrid’s fifth league draw this season, another missed chance that opens the door for Hansi Flick’s relentless Barcelona to run away with the title. With their Champions League hopes already gone, Madrid are now staring at what could be just their fifth season without a trophy this century. About the only bright spot? Mbappé made his 100th appearance for the club, becoming just the tenth Frenchman to reach that milestone for Madrid. Still, even that was undercut; he limped off with a suspected hamstring injury about ten minutes from the end.
Honestly, the title now looks like a lost cause. If Barcelona beat Getafe, they will go 11 points clear. Madrid has two tough away fixtures next: Espanyol, then Barcelona in a do-or-die El Clásico that could finish off their title hopes for good. With their form stalling and Barça flying, Madrid now need a minor miracle and a huge Barcelona slip-up to avoid ending this season empty-handed.
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