Per a Marca report, Alexander-Arnold was benched by manager Alvaro Arbeloa as a punishment for being late to a training session. Arbeloa wants discipline on the squad and now, this has sent TAA to the bench. Follow Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid live with us and catch all the action from the game!

As for Bellingham and Mbappe, they’re recovering from injuries and Arbeloa is limiting their playing time to not risk re-injuring them. Mbappe is managing a persistent left knee injury (ligament inflammation/sprain), while Bellingham is coming from a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury.

When was the last time Mbappe and Bellingham played?

Mbappe logged in some minutes mid-week in the Champions League during the game against Manchester City. He played around 20 minutes. It’s likely he will play around the same amount of minutes today.

As for Bellingham, this would be his first game since February 1st. Both Bellingham and Mbappe are crucial players for Real Madrid, but they’ll have to wait for their opportunity to play from the bench.

Alexander-Arnold’s situation is far more complicated

Alexander-Arnold is flat out facing a disciplinary action. His first season in Madrid has been quite underwhelming. Now, he is not starting a key game against bitter rivals Atletico, who will also deal with a huge absence of their own as Jan Oblak isn’t playing today either.

Arnold has struggled to stay healthy and, when playing, he’s been very inconsistent. In fact, Thomas Tuchel left him out of England’s squad for the upcoming friendlies, less than a 100 days from the World Cup.

The Champions League group phase is at a critical stage, and every match carries weight for qualification and seeding. Madrid’s squad depth is being tested, as injuries and rotation decisions force coach Xabi Alonso to make strategic adjustments.

Alexander-Arnold’s absence also adds pressure to Madrid’s defensive cohesion. Opponents will look to exploit spaces and test players who are stepping into new roles. With a team like Manchester City, known for dynamic attacking play, this challenge is even more pronounced.

Why is Trent Alexander-Arnold not playing today?

Trent Alexander-Arnold is not playing today for Real Madrid against Manchester City because he is recovering from a muscle injury in his left leg (rectus femoris) sustained during the recent La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao.

The 6–8 week recovery timeline suggests Alexander-Arnold could return in late December or early January, depending on progress. His absence affects Madrid’s defensive depth and pace on the right flank, adding pressure as the team battles for a top-eight spot in the league-phase table.

When the local team’s substitutes were announced over the loudspeakers at Anfield, upon hearing Alexander-Arnold‘s name, the home crowd erupted, jeering the former Liverpool defender and clearly demonstrating their discontent over his decision to leave the club.

Fans seem unable to forget the defender’s choice to depart Liverpool, where he started his professional career, upon the expiration of his contract last season. Alexander-Arnold subsequently continued his career at Real Madrid, which paid approximately over $10 million at the end of May to finalize his signing ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite the harsh boos from the local fans, the English defender had a highly successful career at Liverpool. He spent nine seasons there, playing 354 total matches, scoring 23 goals, and registering 93 assists, while helping the Reds win two Premier League titles, one Champions League, and one Club World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold’s feelings for Liverpool won’t change

Alexander-Arnold likely anticipated an initially hostile reception at Anfield, given how fans reacted to his exit. However, the defender recently stated that his love for the club will never change, regardless of how he is received.

“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I have got memories there that will last me a lifetime and no matter how I am received, that won’t change. I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans,” Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime in a recent interview.

“I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club. I will always be thankful for the opportunities [Liverpool gave me] and everything that we achieved together will live with me forever,” he added.

With significant additions bolstering their lineup, Real Madrid emerged as a formidable contender for the LaLiga title. However, Antonio Rudiger’s severe injury has left a glaring void in their defense, sideling him until December of 2025. This setback was evident in their recent defeat, where their diminished aerial presence overshadowed their otherwise strong ball possession.

Not only Rudiger, but also Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among Real Madrid’s defensive casualties ahead of the UEFA Champions League. The absence of both right-backs for several weeks leaves manager Xabi Alonso without natural options for this crucial position. Given this situation, Federico Valverde may step in on the right-back temporarily, while the club considers academy player David Jimenez as a potential alternative.

Despite battling a slew of injuries, Real Madrid remain as the clear favorite to defeat Kairat in their historic first meeting. In their 2025-26 Champions League debut, the Spanish side outlasted Olympique Marseille, securing a narrow 2-1 victory. However, after a recent setback, head coach Xabi Alonso seeks a commanding win to rejuvenate team morale and instill confidence moving forward.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Kairat

Real Madrid will not only be without Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold, and Carvajal, but also Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao. This depletion leaves their defense notably vulnerable, as they are only left few players to rotate. To regain positive momentum, head coach Xabi Alonso might rely on a lineup similar to the last match, planning strategic adjustments throughout the game to give playing time to some unusual stars as Endrick, Gonzalo Garcia or David Alaba.

With this in mind, Real Madrid could line up as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham; Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

According to a last-minute report, the former Liverpool player experienced discomfort during his team’s latest practice, which led the staff to decide to do without his services for this crucial match.

The news was reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who shared the update through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, detailing this significant loss that Alonso and his team will have to face.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold out of Real Madrid squad today vs Paris Saint-Germain due to setback in training. Fede Valverde starts at right back,” the journalist reported, via @FabrizioRomano.

Although no official medical statement has been released yet, rumors suggest that the English national team player could miss a potential final if his team manages to defeat PSG.

Xabi Alonso shows his full potential

Undoubtedly, this stands as one of the most significant matches that Real Madrid will face in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. To overcome the challenges presented by their opponents, this is the lineup Xabi Alonso has decided to field against PSG:

Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia; Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler; Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Kylian Mbappe.

If they secure the victory, the decisive match of this impressive tournament will see them face none other than Chelsea, who come off a 2-0 win against Fluminense in the other semifinal.

This time, it was one of Liverpool’s key players and team leaders who couldn’t help but praise Messi. Trent Alexander–Arnold, one of Jürgen Klopp’s brightest discoveries at Anfield, spoke to The Mirror in July 2024, where he hailed Messi as the best player ever.

“It has to be Messi for me. The best player I’ve played. The best player that’s ever played the game,” Alexander-Arnold said when asked about the most incredible soccer player he’s ever witnessed. “To imagine anyone better than what I’ve been able to see, my brain doesn’t comprehend it. There’s no way anyone can be better.”

“Lionel Messi is the greatest to ever play this game,” he continued. “There’s just a different feeling when you’re playing against him, something I’ve never felt with anyone else. You’re always on red alert when the ball’s near him. I think it’s very rare for a player to create that kind of tension in other players, so for that reason, I have to say it’s him.”

“For me, in so many aspects of the game, he’s probably the best at any given moment. He can almost do whatever he wants on the pitch, so that’s why he’s the best,” Alexander-Arnold concluded.

Alexander-Arnold praises Mohamed Salah

Messi wasn’t the only player to receive praise from Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right-back also called Mohamed Salah the best teammate he’s ever had. “His consistency, from the very first minute he arrived until today, it’s never dropped,” Trent explained.

“It’s remarkable. What he’s done and continues to achieve is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game and his craft. I’m lucky to witness it every day,” he added. “He’s tireless, pushing himself every day to get better, keep improving, and break every record in sight,” Alexander-Arnold concluded.

According to Transfermarkt the following XI are the most expensive players at their positions based on age and market value. There are some glaring omissions such as Erling Haaland, Thiago Alcantara, and Bruno Fernandes.

The total value of this starting XI is €1.01 billion! Many of these players will eventually be sold to other clubs in the future and for a lot higher than their market value indicates. Here is the most expensive XI in World Soccer!

Jan Oblak – Goalkeeper – €70 million

Journeyman and now Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been with the Spanish side since 2014 and has played in over 200 matches. Oblak was the La Liga Player of the Season in 2020/21, having won the La Liga title and kept 18 clean sheets in 38 matches, with an 80% save rate for the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Right Back – €75 million

Fast paced and capable 22-year-old right back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a rock for Liverpool and now England. Alexander-Arnold at his young age has played over 100 games for Liverpool, winning 4 titles.

Matthijs de Ligt – Defender – €75 million

Matthijs de Ligt is only 22 but already is a veteran of the game, having played for Ajax and now at Juventus. de Ligt has won 5 titles in his career and is the subject of various transfer rumors.

Marquinhos – Defender – €75 million

PSG’s rock in defense, Brazilian Marquinhos has been with the club since 2013 and has over 200 appearances for the French Super Club. A leader and the balance of his club’s capable attack, Marquinhos is as slick as they come.

Alphonso Davies – Left Back – €70 million

When Alphonso Davies was moved to left back upon his arrival at Bayern Munich it raised many eyebrows, but the people at Bayern knew what they were doing. Davies has transformed into the best left back in the world. Speed, power, crossing, dribbling, the Canadian player is the best export from Concacaf at the moment.

Joshua Kimmich – Midfielder – €90 million

Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is the balance of defense in an offensive midfield, known as a Swiss army knife for his versatility, Kimmich can win the ball in the middle like no other in the world. Kimmich has already won 17 titles since joining Bayern.

Frenkie de Jong – Midfielder – €90 million

Frenkie de Jong can do it all, he can play defense, go at it in attack, and he loves to have the ball at his feet. A workhorse for both Barcelona and the Netherlands,de Jong will be one of the pillars Barcelona will rely on in a world post Messi.

Kevin De Bruyne – Midfielder – €100 million

One of the world’s best midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne is elegant, has perfect vision, and can finish. The Belgium and Manchester City player is a leader for both club and country and is one of the most expensive players on the market.

Jadon Sancho – Attacker – €100 million

Jadon Sancho has recently made a huge money move to Manchester United, a lot will be expected from the 21-year-old English international. Sancho came on to the scene at Borussia Dortmund and is known for his speed, creativity and taking on opponents 1 v 1.

Neymar – Attacker – €100 million

€100 million for Neymar does not sound right. Neymar has been nothing short of brilliant in his career, he may be eclipsed by other names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, or Erling Haaland, but make no mistake Neymar is one of the best in the world. Neymar has won championships and scored some spectacular goals for every team he has played for and Brazil as well.

Kylian Mbappé – Striker – €160 million

Kylian Mbappé is simply electric, one the world’s most exciting young players the 22-year-old French World Cup winner is an excellent dribbler, finisher, has great speed, and tears up opponents 1 v 1. Along with Erling Haaland, they are the two biggest soccer talents in a post Messi and Ronaldo world.

Alexander-Arnold has been one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in the world since his breakout campaign in 2016/17, becoming one of the most prolific passers and assist-men in the English Premier League.

Nonetheless, it seems like Southgate has been far from impressed with his defensive commitment under Jurgen Klopp’s system. Therefore, The Athletic and 90min reported that he’s not likely to receive the call to play for the Three lions in Europe’s top-notch soccer competition.

Gareth Southgate To Snub Trent Alexander-Arnold From England Squad

“One of the Premier League’s best right-backs since his 2016/17 breakthrough, Alexander-Arnold has never really managed to convince Southgate, who has always had (justifiable) concerns over the 22-year-old’s defensive ability,” stated the report.

“It’s for that reason that The Athletic believe Southgate is likely to axe Alexander-Arnold. Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier are his two preferred candidates, and Chelsea youngster Reece James is currently favourite to take the third spot,” 90min concluded.

The report also states that it’s not like Southgate has completely shut the door on Alexander-Arnold. Then again, it seems unlikely that he’s going to change his mind and give him a call atthis point in the season.

Southgate has been known – and often infamous – for shaking up his squads and featuring plenty of full-backs in different positions, so there could be room for the Liverpool stalwart as a winger.

Nevertheless, considering the plethora of options the young boss could consider for the attacking front, it all points like we’re not going to see one of the best young players on earth in the continental competition.