Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold omitted from Real Madrid calendar amid fitness struggles

Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
October 2025

Real Madrid’s 2026 official calendar notably excludes Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold, symbolising a dip in their status amid form and injury struggles. Bellingham, recovering from shoulder surgery, has lost his automatic starting role under Xabi Alonso, while Alexander-Arnold’s debut season has been hampered by a serious hamstring injury.
Bellingham has started only one of Madrid’s past three matches since returning and was also omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad due to fitness concerns. Alexander-Arnold, signed from Liverpool in the summer, tore his biceps femoris muscle during his Champions League debut and remains sidelined. Madrid insist both remain key to long-term plans but face immediate competition from rising talents such as Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono.