Trent Alexander-Arnold closing in on Real Madrid return as Xabi Alonso faces major fitness doubts before El Clasico showdown

Abdul Hady
Abdul Hady is the editor of NutmegXtra, delivering daily Premier League, La Liga, and global football news with a sharp eye for breaking stories.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to a Real Madrid comeback and could make the squad against Juventus after resuming group training, AS reports.

The England international has missed six games through injury but completed a significant part of Monday’s session. If he passes one final test without discomfort, he is expected to be named in the travelling squad for the Champions League clash.

Xabi Alonso, however, remains cautious. After more than a month out, the plan is to ease Alexander-Arnold back gradually, with his deep playmaking and inverted role offering tactical balance ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.

Ferland Mendy has also returned to full training and is available for Juventus, providing further defensive relief.

But Madrid’s injury list remains lengthy. Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen continue to train individually and are unlikely to feature midweek. Their availability for Barcelona is in serious doubt, with both being monitored daily. Carvajal is nursing muscle discomfort, while Huijsen has yet to rejoin full sessions.

Alonso may again need makeshift solutions if neither defender recovers in time, with Federico Valverde a potential emergency option. Dani Ceballos is also sidelined, reducing midfield rotation ahead of a decisive week.

Antonio Rudiger has been ruled out of El Clasico, still recovering from a rectus femoris injury, while David Alaba is awaiting scan results after feeling discomfort against Getafe.

Mendy’s return, though, allows Eduardo Camavinga to shift back into midfield if required, restoring balance in both areas.

Madrid face Juventus in the Champions League before turning full focus to El Clasico, with Barcelona just two points behind in La Liga. Alonso will manage his squad carefully as Trent’s timely return gives Los Blancos a much-needed boost heading into a season-defining week.

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