Shock update emerges just before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool comeback

The former Liverpool ace is due to step foot on Anfield turf for the first time since his move to Real Madrid — but there’s serious uncertainty over whether he’ll actually play.

Just a day before Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown with Liverpool, doubts have emerged over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-awaited return. The defender, whose switch to Madrid last summer sparked huge controversy, left the Reds for a reported £10m fee shortly before his contract expired.

Since arriving in Spain, the England international has struggled to settle, failing to secure a regular starting spot before a hamstring injury ruled him out for several weeks.

Now 27, Alexander-Arnold is set for what could be the most emotionally charged night of his Madrid career, returning to the stadium where he became a Champions League and two-time Premier League winner — but fresh reports claim the situation has taken a worrying turn.

His most recent appearance for Los Blancos came back in mid-September, when he limped off just minutes into their clash with Marseille. Although he was named on the bench for El Clásico last weekend, The Athletic reports that he is still not fully fit — a key reason he wasn’t used.

Tuesday’s fixture lands in week seven of his eight-week recovery programme, meaning a starting role at Anfield is now viewed as highly unlikely. With Dani Carvajal also injured, Federico Valverde is expected to fill in at right-back again.

Even so, Madrid boss — and Liverpool icon — Xabi Alonso hasn’t completely ruled Trent out. Speaking ahead of the tie, he said:

“He’s fine. He didn’t play because of the situation in the last game, but he’s available. We need his qualities. He’s entering a new phase physically, mentally, and football-wise. He’s an exceptional player.”

Alonso also reflected on the emotional side of the occasion, adding:

“It’s a European classic. Trent and I share history here, and it’s special to return to a place where we were loved — but we’re here to get a result.”