2 days ago
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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential reunion with Liverpool looks increasingly likely following the news that Dani Carvajal has undergone surgery on an injury he sustained last weekend.
The Spanish right-back felt discomfort in his knee during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona on Sunday, which saw Los Blancos open up a five-point gap at the top of La Liga.
Carvajal has endured rotten luck in recent times. The experienced defender missed the majority of last season due to another knee injury and only returned on Sunday following a separate month-long layoff. But he is now not expected to feature again in 2025.
Via a statement released on Tuesday, Real said: “Our captain, Dani Carvajal, underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee today.
“The operation was performed by Dr Manuel Leyes under the supervision of Real Madrid's medical team. Carvajal will begin his recovery programme in the coming days.”
Carvajal’s injury means Alexander-Arnold could start at Anfield next Tuesday when Real travels for the fourth Champions League fixture of the season.
The 27-year-old has also experienced injury frustration this campaign and only returned to the squad on Sunday for the first time since suffering a hamstring problem in the win over Marseille on September 16.
Alexander-Arnold was an unused substitute as Real won El Clasico, with Xabi Alonso preferring to introduce Carvajal instead of the former Liverpool man.
That has been a recurring theme this season, with Alexander-Arnold starting just two of the four La Liga games before his injury.
Carvajal’s injury lessens the competition for places at right-back, but with Federico Valverde starting in that role against Barcelona, Alexander-Arnold is far from a shoo-in to play at Anfield next week.
Should he feature in the Champions League clash, the academy graduate is unlikely to get a warm reception.
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to join Real did not sit well with Liverpool supporters and the boyhood Red was booed in his penultimate appearance at Anfield.
His start to life in the Spanish capital has not quite gone to plan, with Alexander-Arnold struggling to hold down a spot in the team, while he has also lost his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Meanwhile, his absence at Liverpool continues to be felt. Neither Conor Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong has convinced at right-back this season, with Dominik Szoboszlai often drafted in to play in that role.
Mohamed Salah's form has also been a talking point since Alexander-Arnold’s exit, with many believing that the winger has struggled for consistency without his regular partner on the right flank.
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