Real Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing another frustrating period out of action after sustaining a significant leg injury.
Injury Confirmed After Bilbao Victory
The club confirmed the news on Thursday, 4th December 2025, stating that tests had diagnosed a "muscular injury to the rectus anterior quadriceps in his left leg". The problem occurred during Wednesday's 3-0 away victory at Athletic Bilbao, where the former Liverpool star had been influential.
Alexander-Arnold played a key role in Real's opening two goals at San Mamés but was then forced to leave the pitch early. The specific muscle affected is part of the quadriceps group at the front of the thigh. Real Madrid did not provide any estimated timeline for his return, saying only that "his progress will be monitored".
A Stop-Start Season in Spain
This latest setback compounds a difficult first few months in Spain for the 26-year-old. Having arrived at the Bernabéu on a free transfer last summer, his opportunities have been severely limited by fitness issues.
This new quadriceps problem marks the second major injury of his brief Real Madrid career, following a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign. As a result, he has managed to make just 11 appearances for the Spanish giants since his high-profile move.
What This Means for Club and Country
The injury represents a significant blow for both Carlo Ancelotti's side and England manager. Alexander-Arnold had just begun to show his creative quality from full-back, evidenced by his performance in Bilbao before his withdrawal.
His absence will force Real Madrid to reconfigure their defensive options, while the player faces another arduous rehabilitation process. For a footballer renowned for his technical passing and delivery, any leg injury is a serious concern. Fans and pundits will now await further medical updates with keen interest, hoping this spell on the sidelines is shorter than his last.
