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Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured another setback following his disappointing return to Anfield with Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old departed his boyhood club to join Los Blancos during the summer. Injury has meant Alexander-Arnold has managed just 160 minutes of competitive soccer this campaign, with nine of those coming off the bench against Liverpool.
Given the circumstances of his departure, it was perhaps unsurprising that he was heavily booed upon his introduction at Anfield, with his wayward passes also being cheered by the home supporters. Before his brief appearance, Alexander-Arnold had not featured for over a month, having been an unused substitute in Real's previous two La Liga games.
He had also only started two league matches since his summer move. Having trained for several weeks, Xabi Alonso was specifically questioned whether the full-back was capable of starting for the first time since August, with his response proving quite revealing.
"Yes, [Trent] is ready, he's been training for a few weeks," Alonso said in a press conference on Saturday.
"Tomorrow you'll know if he starts or not. In the circumstances, [Valverde] has played there and done well. He's always ready to help the team. It's an option we have."
Alonso's mention of Valverde in his response seemed to indicate that the latter would retain his position, and indeed, that's exactly how it unfolded.
For Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano, it was the Uruguayan international who took up the right-back position, with Alexander-Arnold on the bench. It appears evident that the England international is currently second to Valverde in the selection order.
The match was goalless at half-time, with Alonso deciding to make a defensive substitution - Dean Huijsen being replaced by Eder Militao after receiving a booking in the first 45 minutes.
Alexander-Arnold did eventually get some game time in the 83rd minute after Valverde sustained an injury, which could potentially offer him an opportunity to reclaim a more permanent spot in the team.
Madrid is currently leading La Liga, having only dropped points in two matches before the draw at Vallecano, so it's perhaps unsurprising that Alonso is making minimal changes.
The Spanish team also boasted a flawless winning streak in the Champions League prior to its trip to Merseyside.
Liverpool controlled that match and, if anything, Alexander-Arnold's late introduction seemed to disadvantage Real.
This was because the home fans appeared to rally their team to secure the win, achieving a consecutive clean sheet after Arne Slot's side triumphed over Aston Villa the previous weekend.
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