Real Madrid drop major Trent Alexander-Arnold clue ahead of Liverpool reunion

Real Madrid have made a decision over Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of their La Liga clash against Valencia with Dani Carvajal ruled out through a knee injury

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in line to play for Real Madrid against Valencia this weekend, in a boost to his chances of facing Liverpool in the Champions League. The full-back is set to make his first start since September 16.

The 27-year-old lasted just five minutes against Marseille before leaving the pitch devastated. But with his recovery from a hamstring injury progressing well, targeting a return at Anfield next week was on the agenda.

Alexander-Arnold has even moved ahead of that schedule and was included in Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid squad for their win over Barcelona. The England international was not called upon, however.

The Liverpool academy product watched on as Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal played in his position against Barca. But reports in Spain claim there is ‘no doubt’ he will be selected against Valencia.

Alexander-Arnold earned his place in the Real Madrid starting XI before Los Blancos boss Alonso opted to make use of club captain Carvajal when he returned from a serious knee injury. The defender’s lack of minutes cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in September.

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Veteran defender Caravajal picked up an injury in El Clasico, and now Alexander-Arnold has an opportunity to claim an extended run. The La Liga leaders expect the Spaniard to be out for upwards of six weeks and may not return until 2026.

“Following tests carried out on our captain, Dani Carvajal, by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a loose joint in his right knee,” a club statement read on Monday evening.

“Carvajal will undergo arthroscopy.” Carvajal’s issue is with the same knee which saw two ligaments and a tendon ruptured in October 2024. That saw him miss the remainder of the season, and Alexander-Arnold signed in time for the Club World Cup.

The summer signing is likely to have two months to nail down his position under Alonso, with a tough return to Liverpool offering an early test. Alexander-Arnold could find a tough reception at his former stomping ground on November 4.

The defender suffered boos from his own fans after announcing his plans to depart before the end of the season. Alexander-Arnold received a kinder response when making his final appearance, and cut an emotional figure in scenes on the pitch following the full-time whistle.

“It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Liverpool is my home; it made me who I am. But Madrid felt like the right step, at the right time,” Alexander-Arnold told GQ Espana when asked about his Liverpool exit.

“It was ambition and a personal desire for change. To challenge myself in a new environment. Of course, Real Madrid’s legacy is undeniable. But more than that, what attracted me was my ambition and the desire to test myself in new surroundings.”

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