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Why Isn't Trent Alexander-Arnold Playing Tonight For Real Madrid Vs PSG In Club World Cup?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 3:35 PM ET

Real Madrid will take on PSG in the semifinal of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a surprising lineup that many did not expect. Los Blancos have been on fire under Xabi Alonso throughout the tournament and will need to play without a key player.

Summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold is among the players who will not play for Real Madrid against PSG in the semifinal that takes place at the MetLife Stadium.

The English right-back has been starting in all of Real Madrid's games at the Club World Cup, but for the game against PSG, he isn't even named on the bench.

This was a last-minute change, and yesterday he was expected to start the game as the team's right-back. Federico Valverde will now play right-back for Real Madrid

Why isn't Trent Alexander-Arnold playing?

Early reports ahead of the Real Madrid vs PSG game suggested that Alexander-Arnold had a setback in training. Tiempo de Juego reports that Alexander-Arnold had discomfort in his right leg during training yesterday.

BREAKING: Trent is injured. He is not even on the bench tonight. pic.twitter.com/cpKT9Ta80l
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 9, 2025

The right-back played in all five Real Madrid matches in the Club World Cup. He provided an assist in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Juventus in the Round of 16.

Dani Carvajal is named on the Real Madrid bench for the game against PSG, but Xabi Alonso refuses to rush him into an important game like the semifinal. Valverde has played right-back during the season when Carvajal was injured.

Xabi Alonso confirmed before the PSG game that Alexander-Arnold felt something and refused to risk the club's new player. The Spanish manager believes that Valverde can perform in the right-back position.

Trent has arrived at the stadium to support the team tonight. pic.twitter.com/kb4CNPC8OL
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 9, 2025

Another Real Madrid star misses the PSG game

Real Madrid will not count on their two summer signings in the game against PSG, as Dean Huijsen will not play in the semifinal either. He is not in the squad as he was suspended.

The Spanish center-back received a straight red card in the previous game against Borussia Dortmund. He committed a penalty after bringing Serhou Guirassy down in the box in the 96th minute of the game.

If Real Madrid advances to the final, Huijsen will be able to play as his suspension is only for one game. Huijsen has played every game for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, like Alexander-Arnold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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