Trent Alexander-Arnold is eyeing a return to action with Real Madrid ahead of the team's Champions League clash against Liverpool - meaning a return to Anfield is on the cards.
The former Reds defender has been making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury, and it's now believed that he could be fit to play at Anfield on November 4, according to reports in Spain.
With four matches for Los Blancos before they head to Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold is said to be hopeful of making his comeback toward the end of this run. The 27-year-old was initially given a six-week timeline for his return, and he's already been sidelined for four weeks.
The Real Madrid star was left distraught after sustaining an injury in the early stages of the Champions League match against Marseille last month.
This setback marked a challenging start to his career in the Spanish capital.
Alexander-Arnold quickly secured his spot in the Real Madrid starting line-up, but found himself replaced by club captain Dani Carvajal when he returned from a serious knee injury. The lack of game time cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad in September.
Alexander-Arnold turned his back on Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold turned his back on Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Now, Alexander-Arnold faces the challenge of proving both his fitness and his quality to secure a place in both teams in the coming weeks.
A return to his boyhood club will certainly make this task even more daunting.
The Liverpool academy graduate will probably encounter a frosty welcome upon his return to Merseyside, having opted to turn down a fresh deal at the club in order to move to the Bernabeu. The Reds secured around $11 million by allowing his early departure to participate in the Club World Cup.
"It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Liverpool is my home; it made me who I am. But Madrid felt like the right step, at the right time," Alexander-Arnold told GQ Espana when asked about his Liverpool exit.
"It was ambition and a personal desire for change. To challenge myself in a new environment. Of course, Real Madrid's legacy is undeniable. But more than that, what attracted me was my ambition and the desire to test myself in new surroundings.
"It's a challenge, but one I welcome. Playing at the Bernabeu is sacred. You can feel the weight of the shirt, but that's what drives you to give it your all."
Alexander-Arnold was met with jeers from Liverpool supporters following his announcement of departure plans before the campaign's conclusion. The response he garnered split opinion among the fanbase, though disappointment was evident.
He was afforded a warmer send-off during his final outing against Crystal Palace, appearing visibly moved in the on-pitch scenes that followed the final whistle on the last day of the previous season.