Could Alexander-Arnold Face His Former Club as Real Madrid Star Against Liverpool?
The central narrative surrounding Real Madrid's forthcoming encounter with Liverpool centers on a single individual: Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Real Madrid defender will make his comeback to the venue he considered his sole footballing home throughout his career before transferring to the Spanish capital during the previous summer.
Since the Champions League group stage fixtures were announced, Real Madrid's journey to Anfield to meet the Premier League titleholders has been particularly noteworthy. The meeting between two of Europe's elite clubs has generated heightened anticipation, further intensified by Alexander-Arnold's homecoming and the inevitable hostile reception from Liverpool supporters.
Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold's participation in this fixture remains uncertain. The 27-year-old sustained a hamstring problem during Real Madrid's 2025–26 Champions League opener against Marseille on September 16 and has been absent from competitive action ever since.
Due to this extended period on the sidelines, his availability for Los Blancos' Anfield visit continues to be questionable.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Medically Cleared to Play Against Liverpool
The Liverpool fixture could mark Alexander-Arnold's comeback following his six-week layoff.
After making a complete recovery from his hamstring problem, the defender has received medical clearance from Real Madrid's medical staff to resume playing. The final decision regarding his involvement against Liverpool now lies entirely with Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.
Alexander-Arnold has been available for selection since El Clásico on October 26. He has been included in Real Madrid's squad for their previous two matches but remained on the bench without seeing any action.
With Dani Carvajal sidelined through injury, Federico Valverde appears set to occupy the right-back position against the Reds. Nevertheless, following more than two weeks of trouble-free training sessions, Alexander-Arnold might make his return with a substitute appearance against his former club.
Alexander-Arnold Shares Feelings on Anfield Return
Following his departure from Liverpool after a 21-year association with the Reds, the youth product revealed to Amazon Prime Video that he experiences "conflicted feelings" regarding the upcoming visit to his former club.
"When the fixtures were revealed, I believe everyone anticipated this would occur," Alexander-Arnold commented. "This matchup was always meant to happen."
The England defender disclosed that he communicated with ex-Liverpool colleagues Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah following the draw, sharing humor about the circumstances.
"Indeed, conflicted feelings. I believe it will be an extremely challenging match, but one I'm looking forward to. A significant game on an important platform where I'll attempt to deliver my best performance," he stated.
"The crowd's response and the environment will play a role. You must set aside personal feelings and deliver the finest football performance possible.
"Should I find the net, I wouldn't celebrate. When I chose to move forward, it was inevitable that during my time here I would eventually face Liverpool again."
The Liverpool youth graduate claimed eight significant honors during his Anfield tenure, securing every major competition he participated in at least once.
Throughout nine campaigns with the senior squad, Alexander-Arnold netted 23 times and provided 92 assists, becoming a supporters' favorite and establishing himself among the world's premier right-backs. Upon his Anfield return, however, he may not receive the warmest reception from Reds supporters, something he understands completely.
"However I'm welcomed at Anfield will be the supporters' choice. I will forever cherish the club [Liverpool]. I will always support the club. I will remain grateful for the chances provided, and our shared achievements will stay with me always," Alexander-Arnold expressed.
"Regardless of circumstances, my sentiments toward Liverpool will remain unchanged."