Real Madrid might be forced to reassess their plans to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after a serious injury to Dani Carvajal.
Alexander-Arnold, whose contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season, has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid would be eligible to begin negotiations with the England international in January, with a view to signing him on a free transfer in the summer.
However, Carvajal’s injury could complicate this pursuit.
Carvajal sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, ruling him out for approximately eight months.
The long-term absence of the veteran right-back may force Madrid to explore immediate reinforcements in the January transfer window, rather than waiting until the summer to secure Alexander-Arnold.
In a social media post following the injury, Carvajal wrote: “A serious cruciate ligament injury has been confirmed.
“I will have to undergo surgery and be off the pitch for a few months.
“I’m already looking forward to starting the recovery and coming back like a beast.
“Thank you all very much for your messages, I feel very loved.”
Real Madrid have officially announced the extension of Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026.
However, his recent injury leaves manager Carlo Ancelotti with only Lucas Vazquez as his senior option at right-back.
Consequently, Spanish outlet Marca reports that Madrid are accelerating its search for a new right-back.
The report mentions that Trent Alexander-Arnold has been discussed as a potential January signing.
However, the possibility hinges on whether Liverpool is willing to sell him to avoid losing him for free at the end of the season.
Additionally, the report states that a decision regarding the right-back situation will be made “in the next few days.”
Youngsters Lorenzo Aguado and David Jimenez are also available as options for Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold has been non-committal when discussing his long-term future.
“I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, (but) whether that happens is out of my hands,” he said last month.
“Look, I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public.
“And this one won’t be either. I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say.
“The most important thing is always trophies, if I am honest. “I want to win trophies, I am a player who is highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite.
“So that is probably the main factor of anything, if you have a personality that is elite, who wants to win and will do anything to win, then that is what drives me.”
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