Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield has been cast in doubt just 24 hours before Real Madrid face Liverpool in the Champions League.
In what was undoubtedly one of the most controversial transfers in recent years, former Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold left the Reds to join Spanish giants Real Madrid last summer.
The England International, who won two Premier League titles and one Champions League with Liverpool, for a reported cut-price £10million in late May, ahead of his contract expiring a month later.
Since then, Alexander-Arnold has failed to make an impression at Real Madrid, failing to find a regular spot in the starting lineup before suffering a hamstring injury that has sidelined him in recent weeks.
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On Tuesday night, the 27-year-old will face what is likely the toughest moment of his Real Madrid career so far as he returns to Anfield for a Champions League clash with Liverpool, and it has now been revealed that the situation is even worse for Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold's last appearance for his new club came during their Champions League clash against Marseille on September 16 when he pulled his hamstring after just three minutes played at the Bernabeu.
Immediately, the injury caused doubts over his availability for the upcoming match against Liverpool, but Real Madrid fans were relieved to see the Liverpudlian was named on the bench for El Clasico last weekend, providing a chance he could be ready to return.
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However, a report from The Athletic has revealed that he is not yet back to full fitness, as proven by the decision not to bring him on during the clash with Barcelona.
In fact, Tuesday's match will only be the the seventh week of an eight-week recovery plan, making it very unlikely that Alexander-Arnold will start at Anfield.
With veteran Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal also sidelined with an injury, the report claims that that midfielder Federico Valverde will likely step in and start at right-back for the match, having done so in Madrid’s past five games.
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However, it appears that Real Madrid manager and Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso isn't prepared to completely rule out Alexander-Arnold featuring in the game, as he spoke about the defender's availability ahead of the game.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Alonso confirmed: "He is good. He didn’t play because of the context of the game but he is available. We need his qualities, he is in a new stage both sporting, physically and mentally. He is an exceptional player.”
Alonso also addressed how he and Trent were feeling ahead of their return to Anfield, adding: "It’s a Clasico of European football. Trent and myself have a history here, it is great to come to a place where they loved me so much. But we are coming for a result."
Topics: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Champions League, Football, Injury, Xabi Alonso
Ben McCrum