Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to make his long-awaited return to Anfield on Tuesday to face his former club Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold controversially joined Real Madrid over the summer, leaving his boyhood club Liverpool on a free transfer.
So as soon as Madrid drew the Reds in the Champions League group stages, all eyes were on whether the 26-year-old would be involved against his former team.
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Now, the time is upon us for Madrid to make the trip to Merseyside, and a key decision looks to have been made as to the full-back’s involvement at Anfield.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold selection decision vs Liverpool already made
Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to start against Liverpool as his return from injury means he is not yet ready, according to Mario Cortegana.
The English international is in week seven of his eight-week recovery plan, although he is now back in the Madrid squad.
Alexander-Arnold, who’s had a rocky start at Madrid, has been on the bench for Los Blancos’ last two games in La Liga against Barcelona and Valencia.
In his place, Federico Valverde has been moved into right-back and against Valencia, the midfielder produced a great display, and even scored.
Over the weekend, Liverpool returned to winning ways as they defeated Aston Villa 2-0, with Connor Bradley returning to form.
The Reds’ academy star was superb against the 15-time European champions last season, and he will be hoping to do the same this time around.
Alexander Isak misses Liverpool training ahead of Real Madrid
One Liverpool player who looks set to miss the Champions League group stage clash is Alexander Isak, who is absent from training today.
The Swede has missed the Reds’ last few matches with an injury and now looks set to be out for yet another game.
Fortunately, Hugo Ekitike is in such great form right now that Liverpool are unlikely to miss Isak too much during his spell on the sidelines.
However, Curtis Jones has made his return to training from injury and adds to Arne Slot’s list of options for the match.