Why Trent Alexander-Arnold Is Unlikely to Start for Real Madrid Against Liverpool at Anfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s much-anticipated return to Anfield is expected to take place from the sidelines, as the Real Madrid defender remains short of full fitness. The 27-year-old is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is considered “highly unlikely” to start when Real Madrid face Liverpool in the Champions League. Federico Valverde is set to continue at right-back for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold unlikely to start for Real Madrid against Liverpool at Anfield due to ongoing hamstring recovery and fitness concerns.
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Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in the summer of 2025, has not started a match since suffering his injury against Marseille in mid-September. He has been included on the bench in recent fixtures, including El Clasico, but has yet to feature since beginning his recovery. Sources from The Athletic report that the defender remains in the seventh week of an eight-week rehabilitation plan, with Real Madrid’s staff determined to avoid any setback to his recovery.
Alonso and the club’s medical team have agreed to ease Alexander-Arnold back into action gradually. Although he may feature as a late substitute at Anfield, Valverde’s consistent performances at right-back make him the preferred option to start once again. With Dani Carvajal also unavailable to begin the match, Alonso’s lineup is expected to remain unchanged from recent weeks.
Alexander-Arnold’s first few months in Madrid have been challenging. The English full-back has appeared in only ten matches across all competitions since his high-profile summer move. Injuries and the competition for places within Alonso’s system have limited his opportunities, and the adjustment to Spanish football has tested both his fitness and tactical adaptability.
His transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid was one of the defining moments of 2025. After nearly twenty years at Anfield, he chose not to renew his contract, completing a free transfer that included a £10 million compensation arrangement allowing him to join Madrid early for the Club World Cup. The decision divided Liverpool supporters, with reactions ranging from admiration for his achievements to disappointment over his departure.
Returning to Anfield carries emotional significance for Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly stated that the club will welcome their former vice-captain respectfully, though the atmosphere in the stands remains uncertain. For the player, this fixture symbolizes both a reunion and a reminder of his long-standing legacy with the Reds.
Xabi Alonso provided an update on the right-back’s situation ahead of the Champions League clash. “He’s available, and he didn’t play the other day because of the circumstances of the match,” Alonso explained. “We need him because he has tremendous quality. It’s a new stage for him, and we have to help him perform at his best because he’s an exceptional player in this squad.”
Once fully fit, Alexander-Arnold is expected to compete for a starting role and contribute to Real Madrid’s pursuit of success in both La Liga and the Champions League. Tuesday’s game, even from the bench, will mark a significant moment in his career as he revisits the club where his journey began.
