Neither Dani Carvajal nor Alexander-Arnold, new full-back at Real Madrid: 'He's amazing'

The situation on Real Madrid's right flank has taken an unexpected turn. The arrival of Alexander-Arnold sparked excitement, but his adaptation hasn't been easy and the setback has come sooner than expected. On Tuesday, in the match against Marseille, the Englishman suffered a serious injury that will keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, a major problem for Xabi Alonso.

The club's medical staff confirmed after tests that Alexander-Arnold will have to stop completely to recover. The news is not only a blow for the player, but also for Xabi Alonso, who loses one of his star signings. It happens right at the most demanding stretch of the schedule and with Dani Carvajalsent off in Champions League.

Dani Carvajal, starter in league, but absent in Champions

With Alexander-Arnold's injury, Dani Carvajal will take charge of the right flank again. The captain is ready and in top form, but the circumstances mean his contribution will be partial. In La Liga, he will be responsible for keeping the balance, although in Champions League he won't be able to help after his sending off in the same match against Marseille.

The disciplinary committee has confirmed that Dani Carvajal will miss at least the next two European matches. This is a very significant absence that leaves Xabi Alonso without his two main options for one of the key positions in the system. The coach is aware that the demands of the schedule will force him to look for creative solutions to keep the competitive level.

Jesús Fortea, the gem who could save Real Madrid...

Every cloud has a silver lining. Although players like Fede Valverde or Asencio could act as emergency options on the right side, Xabi Alonso had planned to give a chance to the gem from La Fábrica. We're talking about Jesús Fortea, who is set to be the natural successor to Dani Carvajal. 

Jesús Fortea renewed his contract until 2029 after several weeks of uncertainty about his future. In fact, in the summer he was close to leaving Valdebebas due to the lack of opportunities in the first team. However, Xabi Alonso's arrival changed the script: the coach insisted on keeping him with the promise of giving him minutes at Bernabéu.

...heads to the U-20 World Cup

Jesús Fortea is more than ready to make the leap, but he won't be able to do so. He has been drafted by the Spanish national team to play in the U-20 World Cup, which begins at the end of September. Therefore, if Spain advances in the tournament, Fortea won't be available for Xabi Alonso during the next month of competition.

This is news that has hit Real Madrid like a ton of bricks. The board and Xabi Alonso trusted that Jesús Fortea's moment had arrived. Now, Asencio or Valverde will likely have to take charge of the right flank of the defense in the upcoming Champions matches.