Return on the horizon: Real Madrid’s injury comeback sparks Clasico anticipation
20 October 2025
Return and potential lineup against Juventus
Real Madrid have regained the services of English international Trent Alexander-Arnold after a lengthy spell out with an injury. He had been sidelined since the group-stage clash with Marseille in September.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Arnold completed the first part of training with the club today, progressing normally with the squad. He could feature in the squad for Wednesday’s game against Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu, in the third match of the Champions League group phase.
Right-back dilemma and tactical adjustments
Arnold’s absence, along with Dani Carvajal, left Madrid short in the right-back position, forcing coach Xabi Alonso to rotate options. Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio were used temporarily to cover the position, though both are primarily attackers.
While their performances were often solid, the shift disrupted the team’s balance, especially defensively and in wide build-ups. A return from either or both full-backs would be a major technical and morale boost ahead of the Clasico.
Alonso's safety-first philosophy and looming Clasico
Alonso has repeatedly emphasized that player safety comes first and he would not rush a player back 100% ready, even for a high-stakes match against Barcelona.
There is no official confirmation yet about Arnold or Carvajal’s availability for the Barca game, but the atmosphere around the squad is positive yet cautious as final medical checks are awaited in the days ahead.
If both are out, Madrid might revert to a Valverde-in-the-right-back role or use Asensio again there as a temporary measure, a plan that would alter midfield balance.
But the club hope that Arnold and Carvajal return in time for a big night at the Bernabéu, where a win would send a message of strength to rivals in Spain and across Europe.
Punchline 1: If patience were a tactic, Madrid would be squeezing perfection out of Band-Aids and hope alone. Punchline 2: The Clasico clock is ticking, and the medical staff are the real MVPs of this drama.
