Why Real Madrid face right-back dilemma with Xabi Alonso searching for 'solutions' despite winning Champions League opener

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Real Madrid started their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Marseille thanks to a double from Kylian Mbappe. But head coach Xabi Alonso faces questions going forward after Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off through injury and his replacement Dani Carvajal was sent off later in the game. Madrid's next Champions League game is against Kairat on September 30.

Highlights: Mbappe at the double as Real Madrid edge past Marseille

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It was not a good night to be a Real Madrid right-back on Tuesday.

Just five minutes into Madrid’s UEFA Champions League league phase opener against Marseille, summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with a muscle injury.

Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, Dani Carvajal, then saw red later in the game for a headbutt on Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

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Madrid edged the game 2-1 thanks to a late penalty from Kylian Mbappe, but face questions going forward.

Injury hits Alexander-Arnold again

Trent Alexander-Arnold has not had the smoothest start to his time in Madrid.

Having signed early from Liverpool to play in the FIFA Club World Cup, Alexander-Arnold suffered an injury during the tournament and missed the semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

He started Madrid’s first game of the Liga season but has since been rotated in and out of the starting XI with Dani Carvajal.

McManaman agrees with Carvajal red card but penalty decision 'a disaster'

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"Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the squad. That's good for the team and the players," said head coach Xabi Alonso about Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal.

"They have to be pushed to give their best. You know there is strong competition, you see team-mates who are ready to play. Whoever deserves it the most will play. That will be the case throughout the year."

Alexander-Arnold, who missed out on a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the September internationals, is now facing a spell on the sidelines.

Madrid have confirmed he has suffered a hamstring injury, with the 26-year-old writing on Instagram: "Will be back as soon as possible. Stronger than before. See you soon Madridistas."

The injury could see Alexander-Arnold miss out on a return to Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4.

Carvajal red leaves Madrid short

Alonso admitted Madrid will have to find "solutions" at right-back with Alexander-Arnold out and Carvajal facing a suspension.

Carvajal was sent off in the 72nd minute for moving his head towards Marseille goalkeeper Rulli, who fell to the ground.

"I deplore what the goalkeeper's done, but it was a sending off," Steve McManaman said on TNT Sports.

"When you motion your head like that, it's a sending-off offence. He's the Real Madrid captain, he has to be better than that."

'The footage tells its own story' - Carvajal sent off for a headbutt on Marseille's Rulli

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Carvajal could face a three-match suspension for the dismissal, which would rule him out until Matchday 5.

He would miss games against Kairat, Juventus and Liverpool, before potentially returning against Manchester City in December.

"Now we need to be creative in finding solutions," said Alonso.

"Eduardo [Camavinga] and Jude [Bellingham] are much better now. They'll be ready for Saturday. Well, Eduardo is already ready, and Jude will also be ready to play. Raul [Asencio] has also come in well."

The versatile Fede Valverde could be deployed at right-back, having played in the position before under Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso: Madrid on ‘right track’

In terms of results, Alonso has made the perfect start at Madrid since joining from Bayer Leverkusen with five wins from five matches across all competitions.

Madrid have won four of those games by only a single goal, though, and Alonso expects his side to improve over time.

"It's a process. It's very difficult to set a date, but we're improving and making progress," the former midfielder said.

"The players are getting a feel for the game and realise they can compete. I really liked the first half hour, and we must learn even from the negative aspects.

"We're struggling to maintain consistency. Today was a tough match against a difficult side. We're on the right track, and I'm sure we'll be even better in three or four months' time."

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What fixtures are coming up for Madrid?

Injuries and suspensions aside, Madrid have made the perfect start to the season.

They are top of La Liga and play twice in the next seven days, against Espanyol (September 20) and Levante (September 23), before facing rivals Atletico Madrid (September 27).

A long trip to Kazakhstani side Kairat in the Champions League follows on September 30, while October features home clashes against Juventus (October 22) and Barcelona (October 26).

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