Trent Alexander-Arnold: Real Madrid boss Alonso says defender is in ‘good shape’ now after England squad snub
‘That was a bit harsh’ – Studio discuss Alexander-Arnold jeers at Anfield
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Xabi Alonso has stated that Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently “in better form” after putting in significant work during the international break, a development that the Real Madrid head coach says gives him “more options” on the right side of defence.The full-back was left out of the England squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers by Thomas Tuchel earlier this month, with injuries having disrupted the start to his first La Liga campaign, even as fellow right-back Dani Carvajal remains sidelined with a long-term issue.Alexander-Arnold last started a game over two months ago, when he lasted just five minutes of Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Marseille in the UEFA Champions League before succumbing to a hamstring problem.Alexander-Arnold has seen limited action since, featuring for only nine minutes in Real’s 1-0 loss at former club Liverpool on November 4 – where he was jeered by the Anfield crowd – while he also appeared for just seven minutes in a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano earlier this month.
“In this [international] break we’ve worked with Trent, collectively and individually, after the injuries he had,” Alonso explained during Saturday’s press conference ahead of Madrid’s meeting with Elche.
“Trent being in better form gives us more options in that position, and we have other players, too. Fede [Valverde] is still there and can play at right-back, but Trent is in good shape now. [Eder] Militao played right-back with Brazil the other day, and Raul [Asencio] can play there too. We have several options.”
Alexander-Arnold gets booed by Liverpool fans on Anfield return
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Madrid’s recent performances against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano drew criticism, with the team failing to find the net in either outing and striker Kylian Mbappe not managing a single effort on target across the two fixtures.
Barcelona’s 4-0 win against Athletic Club on their return from a two-year absence at the Camp Nou means Real have been displaced at the summit of La Liga, but a positive result of any kind against Elche will return them to the top of the table.
“We didn’t score at Liverpool or in Vallecas, but it isn’t just about Kylian, it’s about the team,” Alonso said, in defence of the Frenchman. “When we don’t score, we have to look for alternatives: the wingers, the midfielders, set-pieces… the goals will return, I have no doubts.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t started a game in over two months
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“We know where we are, the demands at Real Madrid. We’re demanding of ourselves after every game. We don’t have to give it any more weight than that.”
Militao’s injury during international duty was a setback, but Alonso confirmed that another central defender, Antonio Rudiger, is close to a return.
“It’s very good news that [Rudiger] is close,” Alonso said. “Probably not for tomorrow, but we’ll see for Athens [against Olimpiacos]. With his level and his personality, it’s important to have him.
“Militao’s injury isn’t serious, but we’ll miss him, and having Toni as soon as possible is very good news.
“All of the international players are fine, with a good atmosphere. We go to Elche, they may be a promoted side, but they are giving a good level.
“It will be a demanding game. Everything remains the same, we are looking forward to facing these games in La Liga and Champions League, which are important. We need everyone.”
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