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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.
REAL MADRID SURGE: ARBELOA HAILS "PERFECT FIT" TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD AHEAD OF OSASUNA
Real Madrid is flying! Discover how Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return and Arbeloa’s tactics have Madrid eyeing a 5-point lead.
Real Madrid’s manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, talked about how the team’s been getting better lately and singled out Trent Alexander-Arnold for making a real difference since coming back from injury. On Saturday, Madrid has a shot to push their lead over Barcelona to five points at the top of La Liga. They’re also on track for the Champions League Round of 16.
Most reporters wanted to talk about the Prestianni-Vinicius situation, but in Madrid, the real buzz is about how much the team’s improved after a strong showing in Lisbon. Under Arbeloa, Madrid have won all five of their league matches.
“We want to keep growing, together and as individuals,” Arbeloa said. “When you first arrive, you spend time getting to know the players, figuring out what clicks. We’re focused on making sure everyone contributes, not just the starting eleven. All the good things you’re seeing come from the work of all 25 guys.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold keeps getting praise, too. Since coming back, he’s started twice in a row and looks more assured on Madrid’s right side.
“You can see it in the way he passes, his accuracy. He barely needs space or time. He gives the forwards an edge, making guys like Mbappé and Vini run. After his injury, he’s come back in great shape. That’s not easy. He fits perfectly with what we need. I’m really happy for him.”
As for who’s playing at centre-back against Osasuna, Arbeloa didn’t give much away.
“We’ve got five top centre-backs, and I hope Militao’s back soon. I’m glad to have almost everyone fit. We’ll watch how they train today, then make the call.”
Then there’s Jude Bellingham. With Madrid’s midfield looking balanced against Benfica, people are already wondering how Bellingham fits in, though he’s still out for a few more weeks with a hamstring injury.
“If I had to give up my arm to get Jude healthy by tomorrow, I’d do it,” Arbeloa said. “He’s a leader, one of the best around. What really makes me proud is how the team’s stepping up without him. That says a lot about this group. If I could give him a magic potion to speed up recovery, I’d do it. I have zero doubts about him, actually. It’s the opposite.”
THIBAUT COURTOIS JOINS: REAL MADRID STAR OFFICIALLY BUYS INTO LE MANS FC; STATEMENT RELEASED
Real Madrid's Courtois joins Le Mans FC! Discover the details of the OutField acquisition and the new youth training centre plans.
Le Mans has released a statement after Thibaut Courtois invested in the club. They put it simply: “A two-time Champions League winner and iconic goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois brings top-level expertise, both on and off the pitch.”
The club went on: “This summer, the Brazilian group OutField acquired a stake in Le Mans FC, and now they’re stepping up even further by finalising the club’s acquisition. They’re doing it alongside a reinforced group of world-famous athletes and European investors.
“This bigger commitment is all about speeding up and solidifying Le Mans FC’s growth. OutField is working with club president Thierry Gomez, providing the resources needed to push the project forward.
“One piece is already in motion: construction has started on a training centre focused on developing local talent. The medium-term goal is to make Le Mans FC a national leader in youth development, turning it into a true engine for growth and a steady pipeline of talent for the first team.”
The club’s ambitions don’t stop there. In the statement, Le Mans added, "As he approaches a decade as president, Thierry Gomez stays at the heart of the project he kicked off back in 2016, building a resilient, well-structured club for the long haul.
“For nine years, we’ve worked hard to strengthen the club’s organisation, build up youth training, grow the women’s section, and bring together everyone involved: players, staff, volunteers, partners, and fans.
“We want to build a sustainable football club that’s ambitious, deeply connected to the city’s famous motorsport heritage, and recognised worldwide. The big priorities are improving on the field and developing the Le Mans brand, both at home and abroad, so we can really unlock all of the club’s potential.”
With all these star-studded owners, some people have started calling Le Mans the “French Wrexham". Courtois now joins the likes of his Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, who've also invested in clubs. Mbappe put £12.6 million into SM Caen, a French third-division side, in July 2024. Vinicius is the majority investor at Portugal’s FC Alverca, which just earned promotion to the Primeira Liga.
Bringing Courtois on board fits with Le Mans’ big ambitions: they want to make a name for themselves across Europe and beyond, boosted by the support of world-class athletes like Courtois and Djokovic.
Right now, Le Mans sits fifth in Ligue 2, just three points off the top after 23 matches. They won promotion from the third tier in 2024/25 but haven’t played in Ligue 1 since the 2009/10 season, and they’ve only spent five years in the top flight in their whole history. With this new wave of investment and high-profile backing, Le Mans is clearly aiming to change that, and maybe sooner than people expect.
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