The right-back position has returned to the forefront of tactical planning at Real Madrid, following successive developments triggered by Jude Bellingham's injury, which will sideline him for about a month. This has brought Federico Valverde back to the heart of the midfield once again.

According to the Spanish newspaper "AS," Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa is working on preparing the English star Trent Alexander-Arnold both technically and physically for the Champions League playoff against Benfica, scheduled for February 17 at the "Da Luz" stadium.

From this perspective, the decision to bring Trent on in the final minutes of the match against Valencia at Mestalla was neither coincidental nor out of necessity, despite Real Madrid's lead with a goal and the sensitivity of the score (0-1). Despite the good performance by the young David Jimenez, it was a calculated step within a clear roadmap aimed at gradually reintegrating the English player into the competitive atmosphere.

Before the Valencia match, Trent had missed 14 consecutive games for Real Madrid, which is a long period for a player relied upon in the critical stage. For this reason, and taking advantage of two weeks without midweek matches, the coaching staff began preparing the player calmly and without pressure, with the UEFA Champions League as the main target.

Despite Arbeloa's statements following the 2-0 victory over Valencia, in which he emphasized handling the player cautiously after a long break, his inclusion in a match that was not yet decided reflected a genuine need to give him minutes and help him regain match rhythm.

The question remains whether Trent will continue his gradual escalation by participating against Real Sociedad at the weekend, as the coach indicated by saying, "We want him to regain his rhythm little by little," or whether he might get the chance to start. However, there is no need to rush, especially with alternatives like David Jimenez available, and Dani Carvajal, who has not played in the last four matches, despite recently receiving a medical report from a clinic in London confirming his knee is completely healthy.

With the anticipated double European clash against José Mourinho's team approaching, Arbeloa wants to rely specifically on Trent in the right-back position. In the previous match, which ended in a harsh 4-2 defeat at the end of the league stage, Valverde occupied the right-back position, a temporary solution the coach does not wish to repeat.

Although Trent has only played 104 minutes with Real Madrid in the Champions League this season, the coaching staff is aiming to establish stability in the right-back position, with Saturday's match serving as the final test... after that, Lisbon awaits.