Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield for the first time next week since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid but he might not be on the pitch after all
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be robbed of his Liverpool reunion by Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. The defender left Anfield in the summer by completing a move to the Spanish giants at the end of his contract.
He endured an injury-hit start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, but now recovered, Alexander-Arnold was anticipated to be in the squad next week for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield.
His chances appeared to be bolstered over the past week, with Dani Caraval picking up an injury - potentially clearing the way for Alexander-Arnold. But it’s not quite panned out that way.
The defender was once again left on the bench against Valencia on Saturday - a game that Real eventually won 4-0. Midfielder Federico Valverde started at right-back instead.
On that decision, boss Alonso said: “We all see his level, how complete he is. With the ball, he has the soul of a midfielder, but physically he’s very powerful.
“Since he started playing, his level has been improving, he’s getting more comfortable in the position, and we know he’s a complete player. Because of our needs, he’s played there and he’s done well.”
Meanwhile, summer signing and former Manchester United star Alvaro Carreras started at left-back so that slot looks filled for now, particularly after he netted against Valencia.
Alonso added: “He’s very competitive, does everything well, stays focused when the ball is out of reach, is strong in duels, and knows how to choose the right option. It’s great to have him with us.”
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As the Real Madrid boss begins to consider his side for next week’s trip to Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold has moved to turn down a theory from Liverpool fans that he was learning Spanish long before his switch to Spain.
Taking to social media, he said: “Hi, I'm Trent. I started learning Spanish with Sara five months ago. I didn't speak any Spanish before. I wanted to learn Spanish to communicate better with my team-mates, my coach and the Madrid fans - and adapt better to the culture.
“I really like the lessons because they were very football-based. The terminology we were learning about was press conferences, interviews and vocabulary that I would need to talk to my team-mates on a day-to-day basis within the club. This helped me very, very much and I really enjoyed every lesson.”