Why Trent Alexander-Arnold was left OUT of Real Madrid's Club World Cup semi-final showdown with PSG - explained

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Alexander-Arnold has missed out on the game "due to [a] setback in training", with Fede Valverde starting at right-back in his place. The exact nature of the injury is unknown at this time.

The former Liverpool star had a difficult debut for Madrid earlier in the competition, failing to make a huge impact during a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in the scorching Miami sun. He later helped steer his team into the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup with an assist against Juventus, but it's since been rumoured that he is still not a "favourite" to start for the club. This injury is just the latest in a string of small setbacks.

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Alexander-Arnold caused a splash last month when it was revealed he had been secretly learning the Spanish language in preparation for his long-awaited move to Los Blancos, telling reporters: "For me, it was important to be able to do that and it shows that the intent I have got is to come here and have a good start, to get off on the right foot and to achieve something." The 26-year-old has thrown himself into life in Madrid and is committed to making the move work, even if he has to initially fight for his place in the team.

The exact details of Alexander-Arnold's training ground setback remain shrouded in mystery, but it's been suggested that the England international is suffering from muscle discomfort in his right leg. If it's only a minor knock, and should Madrid find a way past PSG, there's still a chance he could feature in the final against Chelsea.