TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was brutally dropped from Real Madrid’s starting line-up against Atletico Madrid because of turning up late for training.
The right-back, 27, was unexpectedly left out of England’s monster 35-man squad for their friendlies against Uruguay and Japan this month.
It has left Alexander-Arnold’s hopes of jetting off to the World Cup in serious danger of being shattered.
And the two-time Premier League title winner’s week went from bad to worse when he was forced to settle for a place on the bench as Real Madrid sealed a 3-2 win over cross-city rivals Atletico.
Marca report that chief Alvaro Arbeloa was furious after Alexander-Arnold was late to one of the final training sessions ahead of the derby.
And breaking the strict Bernabeu rule resulted in Dani Carvajal replacing the former Liverpool man in the starting line-up.
Arbeloa wanted to respect Real Madrid’s code of conduct and preserve dressing room harmony by making an example of Alexander-Arnold.
But, despite the huge setback, the former Anfield favourite made an impact when he came off the bench.
Alexander-Arnold notched an assist by finding Vinicius Jr for what proved to be the winner.
Atletico went into the showdown following a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham in the Champions League.
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But they hit the front thanks to former Premier League star Ademola Lookman finding the net.
Vinicius levelled matters from the penalty spot before Federico Valverde quickly handed Real Madrid the lead.
Nahuel Molina’s stunning 25-yard strike levelled matters for Atletico, only for Vinicius to bag all three points at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid finished the contest with ten men following Valverde’s red card.
Alexander-Arnold replaced Carvajal after 64 minutes to make his 21st appearance of the season.
But Real Madrid are still four points adrift of LaLiga table-toppers and arch-rivals Barcelona.
