Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a left leg injury during the 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, forcing him off after 53 minutes. The club confirmed a muscular injury to his rectus anterior quadriceps, with reports suggesting a two-month absence. This setback comes days before facing Manchester City in the Champions League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off during Real Madrid's 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao's San Mames stadium on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after 53 minutes. The injury occurred while making a long pass to Kylian Mbappe. It marked another interruption in his time at Real Madrid, following a previous hamstring issue that sidelined him for six weeks earlier this season.
The Real Madrid Medical Services diagnosed a muscular injury to the rectus anterior quadriceps in his left leg. In a statement, the club said: “Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player, Trent Alexander-Arnold, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the rectus anterior quadriceps in his left leg. His progress will be monitored.” While the club did not specify recovery time, reports indicate he could miss up to two months, potentially sidelining him for 11 La Liga matches including upcoming games against Celta Vigo, Alaves, Sevilla, Real Betis, Levante, Villarreal, and Rayo Vallecano. In the Champions League, he would miss clashes with Manchester City, Monaco, and Benfica, plus the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold had been in strong form, making four consecutive starts under coach Xabi Alonso and contributing to Madrid's first two goals in the Bilbao match. However, the team is already without right-back Dani Carvajal, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Raul Asencio deputized in the win, with Federico Valverde a possible option to shift defensively. Eduardo Camavinga also picked up an ankle injury and faces assessment.
Xabi Alonso praised the team's performance: “Today is today, it’s important. The performance of the team, the collective quality of the team, how we have controlled the game, with a lot of stability. I’ll keep that. Let’s go game by game. We knew it was an important moment and we can already think about Celta. The calendar is very demanding and does not allow too many turns, neither in good times nor in bad.” The result moved Real Madrid within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid host Celta Vigo on Sunday, followed by Manchester City three days later.