Arbeloa determined to have Real Madrid defender fully fit and ready for Benfica clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid are taking a cautious approach with Trent Alexander-Arnold as they prepare for a crucial Champions League encounter against Benfica. 

It is said that manager Alvaro Arbeloa has a clear objective in mind, and everything suggests the English defender is being managed carefully to ensure he is fully ready for the European challenge.

According to recent reports from AS, Arbeloa wants the right-back at full fitness before the trip to Lisbon. 

That is why his substitution during the recent match against Valencia was not a tactical reaction to the game, but part of a pre-planned strategy. 

David Jimenez started instead, with the intention of easing Alexander-Arnold back into competitive action.

The reasoning behind this plan becomes clearer when looking at his recent activity. 

There is a plan in place

Real Madrid had gone through a long stretch of matches without him playing regularly, which meant he lost important competitive rhythm. 

The report explains the situation directly, stating, “Up until Valencia, Real Madrid had played 14 matches without Trent out of action. Too much competition lost.”

Because of this, the coaching staff has used the recent gap without midweek fixtures to reintroduce him slowly. 

Arbeloa has a plan in place for Alexander-Arnold. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The priority is not short-term results, but having him ready for Europe. The report makes that objective clear, adding, “The Champions League is the goal to get him fully fit.”

Alexander-Arnold did feature against Valencia, but his late substitution showed that the focus was on match fitness rather than pushing him for the full 90 minutes. 

The next league game against Real Sociedad could serve as his final test before the trip to Lisbon.

No urgency

As such, there is no urgency from everyone involved, as Arbeloa still has other options at right-back. 

This is because David Jimenez is available, and Dani Carvajal, despite not playing in the last four matches, is fully fit and ready if required.

However, the long-term aim is to restore stability in the position. This season, Federico Valverde was used there in difficult moments. 

Now, the club want a natural solution, and Alexander-Arnold is expected to be that answer.

The plan is to give him one final test in the league, and then all eyes will be on Lisbon, where Real Madrid hope the full-back will be fully ready for the challenge.