Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped from his side’s starting XI for the Madrid derby on Sunday as a punishment for lateness, according to reports.
The former Liverpool star appeared to have turned a corner in recent weeks, enjoying a run in the Madrid side after a tough start to his time at the club which culminated in playing a key role in his side’s Champions League win over Manchester City.
But the week went downhill when he was left out of a 35-man England squad on Friday by Thomas Tuchel, with there seemingly little to no chance that he will make the final squad for the World Cup.
And, on Sunday, he found himself out of the starting XI, with Dani Carvajal preferred at right back. He was eventually introduced for the last 15 minutes off the bench.
According to the Athletic, Alexander-Arnold was late to a recent training session, which resulted in him losing his spot in the team.
The game finished 3-2 to Real, with Vinicius Jnr scoring a brace and Federico Valverde scoring again too. Ademola Lookman and Nahuel Molina netted for the away side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped by Real Madrid after he was late to a team meeting, according to a report
The Madrid defender was earlier this week left out of England’s 35 man squad by Thomas Tuchel (right)
Valverde was sent off late on for the home side, who clung on for three points to ensure the gap to Barcelona at the top of the league remained four points.
Alexander-Arnold has made 21 appearances for Madrid in all competitions this season, having joined for a minimal fee from boyhood club Liverpool in the summer after his contract came to an end.
14 of those games have been starts, including six in the Champions League, as he battled injury and an adaptation period.
His season has, though, meant he has lost his place in the England squad. Tuchel branded it a ‘sporting decision’ to stick with Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence as his right back options.
Reece James, England’s usual first-choice right back, is currently injured.
It is expected that Tuchel will trim his final squad from the 35 players selected for this international break’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Alexander-Arnold’s Madrid team-mate, Jude Bellingham, was included in the squad.
