Trent Alexander-Arnold hints at imminent Real Madrid return after brutal start

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been out of action since December with a muscle injury, but the former Liverpool defender has now resumed training with Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold is hoping to make his return to action shortly(Image: Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has offered supporters a peek at his rehabilitation journey on social media as he moves closer to a return from injury at Real Madrid.

The former Liverpool star has been out of action with a muscle injury since December and is yet to feature under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The right-back is expected to return next month and has rejoined training with the Spanish club.

Spanish media reports suggested that Arbeloa had told Alexander-Arnold he wasn't part of his future plans, but these claims have been dismissed. Despite spending only half a season in Madrid, the transfer hasn't met Alexander-Arnold's expectations.

His choice to leave his boyhood club for a fresh challenge with Real ahead of the 2025-26 campaign sparked considerable controversy.

He signed for the Spanish outfit before last summer's Club World Cup, but fitness issues have limited him to just 11 appearances in all competitions this season.

Alexander-Arnold has now returned to training and is determined to leave his injury troubles behind, posting images of his training sessions on Instagram as he strives to regain full fitness.

Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool last summer(Image: Getty Images)

His latest setback came after a hamstring issue, raising questions not only about his future at Real but also about his chances of earning a place in England's World Cup squad this summer.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure last year, Alexander-Arnold received a warm farewell from Liverpool supporters following his 354th appearance in May.

"He deserved it. I am very happy for him and everyone in and around the club that things worked out the way they did," head coach Arne Slot said at the time.

"It went brilliantly when our fans are together. How brilliant they were before the Tottenham game, during the Tottenham game.

"Afterwards, I don't think you see as many special celebrations as you saw four weeks ago. I don't think you see many celebrations like we had them today.

"It's no surprise to me that they (the fans) were brilliant again today, as they were throughout the whole season, as they were towards Trent."

Yet Alexander-Arnold was booed on his return to Anfield last November when Liverpool faced Madrid in the Champions League.

The defender will now look to stay fit for the business end of the season to earn a place in England's World Cup squad and silence his critics in Madrid.