Alexander-Arnold to Return for Madrid vs Liverpool After Carvajal Injury

Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to start for Real Madrid against his former club Liverpool in the upcoming Champions League match due to an injury to Real Madrid's captain Dani Carvajal, who will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery sidelining him until early 2026. This development significantly increases Alexander-Arnold's chances to play, as he is currently the only other senior natural right-back in the squad. Alexander-Arnold recently returned from a hamstring injury and has had a stop-start start to his time at Madrid since his £10 million summer transfer from Liverpool. The match at Anfield marks an emotionally charged reunion for Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool after two decades and may face a hostile reception from fans. Despite the challenges, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso may rely on Alexander-Arnold's versatility to fill the right-back position in Carvajal's absence. The injury to Carvajal, who has a history of knee problems, opens the door for Alexander-Arnold to make his third start for Madrid and return to familiar territory under difficult circumstances.