Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League in early November, but Trent Alexander-Arnold has an injury ahead of his potential return to Anfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold holds his hand up in the air while warming up before a Real Madrid match
Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be on course for an earlier return from injury than initially expected
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to have fully recovered from a hamstring injury after the upcoming international break. The former Liverpool vice-captain was said to be facing six weeks on the sidelines after sustaining the setback earlier this month.
There were also fears that Real Madrid could be without the player for eight weeks, which would have meant missing a first return to Anfield with the Spanish club. However, it now appears that Alexander-Arnold will return within a month of suffering the injury.
Coming back in that timeframe was the most optimistic timeline after their disappointing start in their first Champions League match against Marseille, but it is now reportedly the expectation. That would mean the right-back could play at Anfield after all.
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Madrid-based sports newspaper Marca claims the expectation is for Alexander-Arnold to be fully recovered after the international break. The publication, however, reports that head coach Xabi Alonso has promoted David Jimenez to the first team in the meantime.
He was on the bench for La Liga matches against Espanyol and Levante, but remained an unused substitute. The 21-year-old predominantly plays for Castilla, the club's reserve team, as he did last weekend, instead of being involved in the Madrid derby against Atletico.
Alonso, however, is said to have full confidence in Jimenez if the need to play him arises. Marca claims the youngster has convinced his coach and describes him as "the chosen one to secure further a position that has been left uncovered".
Federico Valverde and Raul Asencio have played there so far this season, with Dani Carvajal injured again after only recovering from a serious knee injury over the summer. This time, it is his calf, and it is said to be sidelining him for five weeks. So, if neither Alexander-Arnold nor the Spaniard recovers in time, Jimenez could be playing at Anfield.
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