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

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of Real Madrid's Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Madrid face PSG in semis
• Trent missing from squad
• Suffered setback in training

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to transfer guru , 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.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  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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• DID YOU KNOW?

  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.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

  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.