Real Madrid's season is back on track following the 6-1 mauling of French outfit Monaco in the Champions League and the 2-0 win over Levante in La Liga. Alvaro Arbeloa's men are now just a point behind leaders Barcelona and sit third in the European standings.
Most, if not all, of Arbeloa's players shone at the Estadio Bernabeu against Monaco, including Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan was used at right-back and once again backed up many fans' view that he is best off there.
Valverde has been taking up the right-back role in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold who has endured an injury-ridden debut season with Madrid. The Englishman arrived from Liverpool last summer but is thought to be already considering an exit.
Trent Alexander-Arnold considers early Real Madrid departure
Alexander-Arnold joined Los Blancos ahead of the Club World Cup and was expected to become Dani Carvajal's long-term replacement at right-back. He has earned rave reviews over the years for his ball-playing abilities and he's shown glimpses of this during the early stages of his spell in Spain.
But injuries have continued to prevent Alexander-Arnold from a consistent run of games and he's currently sidelined with a muscle tear. The last appearance he made came in early December and his recurring fitness issues have been extremely problematic.
According to Fichajes, Alexander-Arnold is already weighing up a potential exit just months after arriving at the club. But his injury troubles aren't the main reason he's concerned about his future with Madrid.
The 27-year-old was given assurances when signing for the club that he'd be a regular starter but when he's been fit he hasn't always been trusted. There is a growing feeling of disconnect with the project and as such he could be ready to leave at the end of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could head to Bayern Munich
If Alexander-Arnold were to make a shockingly quick Madrid exit he wouldn't be short of suitors. One of those is Bayern Munich who are "monitoring the situation closely".
The Bavarians are looking to add a new right-back to their squad with proven international quality and think the England international fits the bill. But a return to England is also a possibility, with Premier League interest also mentioned.
It seems absurd that a player who only joined the club last summer might already be considering leaving. But he was the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era which ended after just seven months earlier this month.
Alexander-Arnold suggested Alonso played a big part in his decision to leave his boyhood club Liverpool for Los Merengues. He said (via Fabrizio Romano): "Working with him is a dream come true for me."
The Englishman has appeared just 11 times across competitions this season, providing one assist. He will be eager to play a part in Madrid's end to the season as they chase La Liga and Champions League glory.