Xabi Alonso has admitted that Trent Alexander-Arnold is not assured of a starting role at Real Madrid, with Dani Carvajal back in contention following his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Alexander-Arnold was Madrid’s marquee summer signing, arriving from Liverpool for £8.5 million after the club paid to terminate his contract early so he could feature in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The England international quickly became a regular, starting five of Madrid’s six matches at the tournament before a minor injury ruled him out of their semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
But Alonso has made it clear that the right-back spot will be shared.
“It’s not about being fair or unfair — I’ll just have to divide what’s there,” Alonso explained.
“I have many positions double-covered, and this is one of them, with two exceptional players. Carva has worked tirelessly to get back close to his best level, and Trent brings his Liverpool experience. That competition can only improve the squad. With the number of games we’ll play, we need both at top level.”
Carvajal, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament last October, has only made two substitute appearances since returning but remains a key figure, having finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or last year.
Alexander-Arnold returned to action in a friendly against Tirol last week and is expected to be available for Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
After a trophyless campaign last season that saw Barcelona sweep a domestic treble, Real Madrid are determined to bounce back.
Alonso will be counting on a refreshed defense, with the additions of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth,
Álvaro Carreras from Benfica, Alexander-Arnold’s arrival, and Carvajal’s return to full fitness.
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