Trent Alexander-Arnold decision made by Real Madrid for Liverpool return

6 hours ago 22

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in the Real Madrid squad for the team's Champions League journey to Liverpool.

However, Xabi Alonso will be missing four key players against the Reds as one of his summer acquisitions joins the La Liga team's injury roster. The England international concluded his tenure with his boyhood club in the summer, choosing to part ways with the Reds at the end of his contract.

Liverpool still pocketed a relatively small fee for the out-of-contract star after Real Madrid paid to release him from the final month of his contract to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. To date, Alexander-Arnold has made 10 appearances for the La Liga team but hasn't played since injuring his hamstring against Marseille in mid-September.

The defender resumed training last month and was an unused substitute for Madrid's previous two matches against Barcelona and Valencia. While it's uncertain whether Alonso will field Alexander-Arnold against his old team, the 27-year-old is at least included in Madrid's 22-man travelling squad.

Despite the full-back being available, Madrid is still without captain Dani Carvajal. Federico Valverde has been deployed at right-back in the absence of both the Spaniard and Alexander-Arnold.

Summer recruit Franco Mastantuono started on the right for Madrid's win over Valencia on Saturday, but the Spanish team has confirmed he will miss the trip to Liverpool due to injury.

Alexander-Arnold trained with his new teammates on Monday

A club statement confirming his absence read: "Following tests carried out today on Franco Mastantuono by Real Madrid's medical department, the player has been diagnosed with pubalgia. His recovery will be monitored."

Madrid also remains without Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who have long-term hamstring and calf injuries, respectively.

The Spanish team also offered updates on the injured quartet following Madrid's open training session at its own training ground on Monday.

A statement on the club's website read: "The team completed their final training session at Real Madrid City before facing Liverpool.

"The players began with a group warm-up in the gym and on the pitch. Later, they were divided into pressing circles and carried out tactical work.

"After a demanding small-sided game, the training session ended with shots on goal. Rudiger, Alaba and Carvajal continued with their recovery programmes, while Mastantuono worked out inside the facilities."

Following the team's open training session, Madrid then headed to Merseyside and confirmed its 22-man squad - which featured Alexander-Arnold alongside star performers Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.