Real Madrid began their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu against Olympique Marseille, but disaster struck almost immediately. Just three minutes into the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off after picking up an injury.
The incident came in the 3rd minute when Alexander-Arnold, under pressure from Timothy Weah on the right flank, appeared to pull his left hamstring while carrying the ball. The England international collapsed to the turf in clear discomfort.
Medical staff treated him on the field, massaging the affected area, but it quickly became apparent he could not continue. In the 5th minute, head coach Xabi Alonso turned to veteran Dani Carvajal, who came on as the early replacement.
Los Blancos have started their 2025–26 campaign with a perfect record in La Liga — four wins from four matches — and sit atop the table. But their Champions League push could be complicated by the sudden loss of one of the squad’s marquee signings.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid reacts after picking up an injury during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille.
Alexander-Arnold’s slow start at Real Madrid
Real Madrid moved quickly to bring in Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in July, paying €10 million to secure him ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The right back earned his first minutes for Los Blancos in that tournament under Alonso.
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However, fitness issues have limited his impact. He was sidelined for the semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, which Real Madrid ultimately lost. Carvajal’s return has also reduced his role, with Alexander-Arnold starting just twice in La Liga — against Osasuna and Mallorca — and making brief substitute appearances against Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad.
Unable to continue against Marseille, questions now turn to how long Alexander-Arnold could be sidelined with the muscle injury. Real Madrid face rival Atlético Madrid on September 27, and there is cautious optimism he might recover in time for the derby.
