Real Madrid Benches Trent Alexander-Arnold Against Former Club Liverpool in Shocking Decision
Trent Alexander-Arnold will start from the substitutes' bench for his emotional homecoming to Anfield as Real Madrid face Liverpool in Champions League action.
The Madrid club are taking a measured approach with Alexander-Arnold's return. The England defender hasn't featured in any matches for seven weeks following a hamstring problem sustained on September 16.
Alexander-Arnold rejoined team training with Real Madrid following the October international break and was included in Xabi Alonso's matchday squad for fixtures against Barcelona and Valencia. However, the defender failed to see any playing time in both encounters.
Alonso has consequently chosen not to thrust the recently fit Alexander-Arnold directly into his starting lineup against Liverpool. Following such an extended period away from competitive action, the 26-year-old is still building up to complete match readiness.
The choice to deploy Federico Valverde instead creates a subdued homecoming to Merseyside for Alexander-Arnold, who dedicated two decades at his childhood club before transferring to Real Madrid this summer. The former Liverpool player could still feature as a substitute, however, and earn his debut minutes at Anfield wearing the white jersey.
Alexander-Arnold Has Yet to Settle in At Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold's introduction to Real Madrid has been far from ideal. The English defender faced difficulties in his first appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, receiving harsh reviews for his defensive lapses down the right side.
Alexander-Arnold gradually found his rhythm, however, and emerged as a positive influence for Los Blancos during their time in the United States. Notably, Real Madrid's sole defeat in the expanded competition occurred without the right-back, who was absent from the semifinals through injury.
Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold then endured a disappointing La Liga bow, leading Alonso to start alternating the former Liverpool player with Dani Carvajal. Unexpectedly, the marquee summer acquisition found himself battling for playing time and spending extended periods among the substitutes rather than on the field.
Just as Alexander-Arnold appeared to have gained Alonso's confidence, he sustained a hamstring problem that sidelined him for seven weeks.
With Carvajal now facing an extended absence due to a knee problem, Alexander-Arnold will have numerous chances to revitalize his Real Madrid journey, provided he maintains his fitness.