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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.
WHY AC MILAN ARE TURNING TO REAL MADRID’S BACKUP ANDRIY LUNIN TO REPLACE MIKE MAIGNAN
AC Milan is preparing a €15M bid for Andriy Lunin. Discover why the Real Madrid keeper is now the favourite to take over at San Siro.
AC Milan might go after Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid this summer, according to Defensa Central. Apparently, Milan is having trouble getting Mike Maignan to sign a new contract.
So, Lunin is high on their list as a possible replacement. He did sign a deal to stay with Real Madrid until 2030, but Milan is still watching him while things with Maignan are up in the air.
Reportedly, Milan gave Maignan a final offer of €7 million per season, but he's not sure about it. Because of this, the club is now scouting for other options.
If Maignan leaves, Milan's bosses plan to offer between €10 million and €15 million for Lunin. They think that's a fair price for a keeper with his experience.
Real Madrid usually doesn't do winter transfers. The club has already said they won't sell anyone in January, except for loaning Endrick to Lyon. So, they won't even think about a deal for Lunin until the season is over.
Lunin turned down offers from Turkish clubs last summer to compete for his spot at Real Madrid. The chance to start every week at Milan could change his mind. At 26, he's currently Courtois' backup. A move in 2026 could give him the playing time he wants. Manchester United was also interested in Lunin last summer, so there'll be plenty of teams after him.
Why Real Madrid Should Ask for More or Keep Lunin
Lunin showed what he's capable of when he filled in for Courtois. He has the skills to play at the highest level. He saved Real Madrid many times, including in important Champions League games. Because of his input, his value has increased.
The rumoured price of €10 million to €15 million seems too low. Lunin was key to Real Madrid's defence for most of the 2023/24 season. Real Madrid should ask for way more if they decide to sell. If not, they should keep him as a backup in case Courtois gets hurt again.
Selling him for that little would be a mistake. It’s almost impossible to find another backup as good as him for that price these days. It's hard to keep a keeper who wants to be the number one, but Xabi Alonso thinks having a deep squad is very important.
Real Madrid needs to think about the money versus the risk on the field. Letting a talent like Lunin go for cheap would be a bad move. Madrid should keep him unless Milan makes a much better offer. Having two top-notch goalkeepers creates a sense of security that money can't often buy.
MARKET REPORT: WHY CHELSEA IS SUDDENLY THE FAVORITE TO RESIGN ANTONIO RüDIGER
Antonio Rüdiger is considering a shock return to Chelsea as Real Madrid pause contract talks. Read why Xabi Alonso is hesitant.
Word on the street is that Antonio Rudiger might head back to Chelsea. The Real Madrid player is thinking about coming back to the Premier League. His deal with Real Madrid runs out in 2026, and he hasn't agreed to a new one yet. There's talk he might leave next summer and maybe even team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Contract Talks On Hold
Back in November, Marca said that Rudiger and Real Madrid started talking about a new contract, but those talks are on pause now. His current contract is up at the end of the season. They started talking months ago, threw some numbers around, and both sides seemed to want a deal.
But they stopped talking after Rudiger hurt his muscle in September. They decided it wasn't right to make a deal while he was getting better.
Back to Chelsea?
Rudiger played for Chelsea for five years, winning a Champions League title, before moving to Real Madrid in 2022. Now, he might go back to Chelsea. There are rumours that Chelsea wants him back next summer, according to Diario AS.
Also, Paris Saint-Germain is interested, and Galatasaray is watching what's happening with him in Madrid.
Besides Europe, he's also wanted in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are thinking about trying to get him next year.
What Alonso Thinks
BILD said in October that Xabi Alonso, the Madrid boss, isn't totally sold on Rudiger. He thinks Rudiger has been getting injured too much and hasn't been playing consistently. Also, Dean Huijsen, who joined in the summer, has been playing great and has already won a starting spot. Huijsen and Eder Militao have been a solid pair in the back, but Militao got hurt recently.
Madrid Might Not Sign Two Defenders
Even with Rudiger's future up in the air, AS says that Madrid isn't looking to sign two defenders anymore. They were looking at Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. Both of those guys might leave their clubs since they're in the last six months of their contracts.
There were reports that Real Madrid wasn't interested in Konate because he hadn't been playing well lately. They might still move next summer, but it probably won't be to Real Madrid.
Alonso's team plays Real Betis at home on January 4 after the winter break.
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