Álvaro Arbeloa lowers expectations about the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Álvaro Arbeloa, coach of Real Madrid, did not hold back in his comments regarding the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the most anticipated signings of the season. After a long recovery from a thigh injury, the right-back made his debut in over two months during Los Blancos’ victory over Valencia, a moment that, while promising, should not be rushed. Arbeloa made it clear that the priority is to ensure Alexander-Arnold’s long-term availability, especially with the knockout stage of the Champions League approaching rapidly.

In his first appearance since December, Alexander-Arnold was active and effective after coming on in the 76th minute, contributing five passes towards the opponent’s goal and three accurate long balls. This performance excited the fans, but Arbeloa remained level-headed amid the enthusiasm. “Regarding Trent, after being out for so long, we are proceeding with caution. What we want is for him to find his rhythm and his best way of playing,” the coach stated at the post-match press conference.

Arbeloa’s cautious approach is undoubtedly the best strategy for the long-term success of Real Madrid. The 27-year-old, who joined the club in the last transfer window, has already had a tumultuous start to his career in the Spanish capital, with several injuries forcing him to miss crucial matches. After losing the semifinal of the Club World Cup due to a muscle issue and a thigh injury that kept him out until November, the club cannot risk a hasty return, especially now that the battle for La Liga and the Champions League is heating up.

The situation requires patience from both the coaching staff and the fans, but if all goes well, Alexander-Arnold could be the key player that Real Madrid needs, bringing back the quality that the defense has lacked since the 2023-24 season.

Moreover, Alexander-Arnold’s return has also reignited the rivalry with Dani Carvajal, who, despite being back, has seen his playing time decrease. Arbeloa, who took charge of the team following the injury of both players, has chosen to give more minutes to Alexander-Arnold and other young players in the team, such as David Jiménez, leaving Carvajal sidelined. The coach assured that he will not “risk” the veteran, promising that, with “patience and effort,” Carvajal can regain his relevance in the team.

However, the current situation raises questions about squad management. Will Arbeloa allow both full-backs to compete for the starting position, or will he fully support Alexander-Arnold, leaving Carvajal in the shadows? The immediate future of Real Madrid depends on crucial decisions, and how Arbeloa manages this dynamic will be key to the team’s success in the upcoming competitions. With the league and the Champions League at stake, the pressure is high and fans are eagerly awaiting answers.