Trent Alexander-Arnold injury update as player at risk of missing Anfield return

Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a scan on his latest injury concern, with reports suggesting Xabi Alonso remains optimistic it might not prove as serious as initially thought.

The former Liverpool defender was withdrawn after just five minutes of his Champions League debut for new side Real Madrid. The Spanish team welcomed Marseille on Tuesday when Alexander-Arnold experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during the opening exchanges.

The setback prompted Alonso to make an immediate substitution, introducing experienced campaigner Dani Carvajal in place of his summer acquisition. Liverpool is set to welcome Madrid to Anfield in the fourth round of league phase encounters, pencilled in for Tuesday, November 4.

This fresh injury concern, therefore, casts doubt over the 26-year-old's homecoming against his former team.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Los Blancos are arranging a scan on the hamstring problem to establish the complete diagnosis.

This follows Alonso's comments to journalists after the final whistle: "We'll wait a bit; maybe it's not as bad as it seems."

Nevertheless, the Madrid boss subsequently suggested the England international would be immediately ruled out of the club's weekend La Liga encounter against Espanyol.

"We have to be creative in finding solutions," he continued. "[Raul] Asencio came in well. [Eduardo] Camavinga and Jude [Bellingham] are back and will be able to play on Saturday."

Consequently, it represents a development Liverpool must monitor ahead of its upcoming Champions League clash with the 15-time European champions in six weeks' time.

Madrid could be facing a significant setback if it is to be without Alexander-Arnold until after the Liverpool match.

This is due to Carvajal being sent off with a straight red card after coming on as a substitute against Marseille.

The 33-year-old was shown the exit following a VAR review in the 69th minute for head-butting Marseille's goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli during a heated exchange.

UEFA's disciplinary committee may now consider extending the full-back's suspension, potentially including the Anfield clash in November.

This would leave Alonso needing to employ some "creative" tactics to counteract the Reds on that side of the pitch.

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