“Alexander-Arnold Felt Something Go” says Madrid source

Real Madrid staff were left uneasy on Wednesday night after Trent Alexander-Arnold signaled he could not continue during the 3-0 win at Athletic Club. Sources told ESPN the club is now awaiting medical tests that will clarify the severity of the issue and determine how long the England international may be out.

The concern comes in a season already marked by setbacks for the former Liverpool star, who arrived at the Bernabeu last summer in one of the most discussed transfers of the window. His first months in Spain have been uneven, with a thigh injury in September keeping him out for four weeks. That absence forced Carlo Ancelotti to reshuffle the squad at a time when Dani Carvajal was also sidelined, leaving Federico Valverde to cover at right-back.

On Wednesday, Alexander-Arnold looked close to his Premier League best. His sweeping diagonal ball created Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal, a moment that captured why Madrid were so eager to bring him in. Yet only ten minutes into the second half, he pulled up after clearing the ball upfield. He limped toward the touchline before signaling that he needed to come off.

One Madrid source described the reaction on the bench as immediate concern, saying the defender “felt something go” and did not want to risk worsening it. The club expects imaging tests soon, and results will shape Madrid’s approach for the coming weeks.

Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga also left the match after suffering an ankle issue, although insiders believe his situation is less troubling.

The fear around Alexander-Arnold’s condition is understandable. His availability has been a storyline all season, and Madrid’s defensive stability has been tested repeatedly. If this latest issue proves serious, what options does Ancelotti have without compromising midfield balance again? The idea of Valverde stepping back into a defensive role is far from ideal during a period when Madrid need his energy centrally.

There is also the matter of rhythm. Alexander-Arnold has struggled to build momentum in his first LaLiga campaign. Critics noted his dip in form after returning from his earlier injury, which coincided with a rocky stretch for the team. His performance against Athletic looked like a turning point. Now fans are left wondering if this promising upswing will be halted again.

Madrid have dealt with recurring availability problems this season, particularly in defensive positions. Carvajal has had multiple muscular setbacks. Eder Militao only recently returned from a long-term ACL injury. The coaching staff has been cautious with workload, yet injuries continue to surface in crucial fixtures.

Alexander-Arnold’s role has also evolved. He joined with the intention of offering Madrid a more creative outlet from deep positions. His passing range has already unlocked several goals for Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. Losing that weapon could narrow the team’s attacking variety.

Madrid now wait for scan results that will reveal the true scale of the setback. If Alexander-Arnold faces another spell out, the club will be forced into familiar improvisation at a point in the season where consistency matters more than ever. Whether this becomes a minor hiccup or another disruptive chapter in his debut campaign will be known in the coming days.