Alexander-Arnold's Comeback Could Boost Arbeloa's Real Madrid Progress
Trent Alexander-Arnold's time at Real Madrid has yet to truly begin but now recovered from his injury the English defender might play a vital role for the La Liga powerhouse in the latter part of the campaign.
As Alvaro Arbeloa's team continues to develop since the manager joined in January Alexander-Arnold has an opportunity to become essential in the push for trophies.
The impressive Real Sociedad led by Pellegrino Matarazzo heads to the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday for a La Liga encounter that should deliver excitement.
Arbeloa's Madrid side aims to extend their advantage over Barcelona by two points and claim top spot in La Liga prior to the Catalan team's trip to Girona on Monday.
The ex-Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold who featured as a substitute in Madrid's victory against Valencia last weekend might make his first start since December 3.
Following a solid initial performance for Madrid during the Club World Cup in summer last year muscle problems in his hamstring and thigh have hindered his adaptation restricting him to just 12 outings in all tournaments this term.
"Having been sidelined for an extended period we must take care with his integration" Arbeloa commented upon Alexander-Arnold's comeback with the Spanish outlet AS noting that Madrid plan for him to feature from the outset in the Champions League knockout stage versus Benfica on February 17.
Should Arbeloa opt for the experienced Dani Carvajal or the young David Jimenez against Real Sociedad it is anticipated that Alexander-Arnold will accumulate significant playing time.
As star forward Kylian Mbappe remains uncertain due to knee issues the right-back's ability to create chances may become a key asset for Los Blancos facing a Real Sociedad team that has avoided defeat in its last nine outings.
Matarazzo's squad overcame the title holders Barcelona last month and they are nearly through to the Copa del Rey decider following their semi-final initial victory over fierce opponents Athletic Bilbao earlier this week.
Madrid's winger Vinicius Junior is due back from his ban after sitting out the solid yet lacklustre triumph over Valencia.
Alexander-Arnold renowned globally for his crossing and passing skills has not yet displayed his full offensive repertoire at Madrid.
His availability could provide a positive lift for the frustrated fans at the Bernabeu who have criticised their own players in the past few weeks following Xabi Alonso's sacking and a spell of erratic results.
Alexander-Arnold possesses the skill to thrill the Madrid supporters and with consistent fitness he can seize the moment to become a cornerstone of Arbeloa's vision.
Spotlight on player: Ademola Lookman
Recent Atletico Madrid acquisition Lookman impressed on his bow against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey by scoring but in the La Liga match versus the identical side last weekend he struggled to shine as the red and whites suffered a tight loss. During this weekend's Madrid derby versus Rayo Vallecano the Nigerian attacker seeks his initial league goal in Spain.
Essential figures
3 - dismissals received by Oviedo striker Federico Vinas while the seasonal maximum for the league stands at four
11 - shutouts achieved by Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois surpassing all other custodians
2070 - minutes accumulated by Mallorca back Martin Valjent the sole field player in La Liga to have finished every game to date
Upcoming matches
Friday (all times GMT)
Elche v Osasuna (2000)
Saturday Espanyol v Celta Vigo (1300), Getafe v Villarreal (1515), Sevilla v Alaves (1730), Real Madrid v Real Sociedad (2000)
Sunday
Real Oviedo v Athletic Club (1300), Rayo Vallecano v Atletico Madrid (1515), Levante v Valencia (1730), Mallorca v Real Betis (2000)
Monday
Girona v Barcelona (2000)