Trent Alexander-Arnold sends four-word message after Real Madrid injury return

Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start for Real Madrid since early December after returning from a muscle injury, providing an assist

Trent Alexander-Arnold started for Real Madrid for the first time since December(Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared a message following his comeback from injury, with the England international stating it's "good to be back."

Alexander-Arnold returned to the starting XI for Real Madrid for the first time since early December after recovering from a muscle problem. The 27-year-old came off the bench in last weekend's La Liga fixture against Valencia, with Los Blancos securing a 2-0 victory. Less than a week on, he was restored to the starting line-up for the match against Real Sociedad.

It took Alexander-Arnold just five minutes to leave his mark, delivering a characteristic assist for team-mate Gonzalo Garcia to break the deadlock. Additional strikes from Vinicius Junior, who scored a brace, and Federico Valverde sealed a 4-1 triumph for Real.

Alexander-Arnold was withdrawn after 60 minutes as he gradually increases his playing time.

Following the match, the former Liverpool vice-captain posted on social media to express his thoughts on his return to action.

Posting images from the game on his Instagram account, he captioned: "Good to be back" - alongside a white heart emoji.

Trent Alexander-Arnold provided an assist for Real Madrid teammate Gonzalo Garcia(Image: Getty Images)

Fitness issues have hampered the defender's debut season at the Bernabeu following his summer transfer from Liverpool.

As a result, the Spanish team has seldom witnessed the calibre of performance the Liverpool academy product displayed at Anfield.

He'll be hoping that this assist marks the beginning of his showcase of talent. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa is confident it will, heaping praise on the full-back.

Following Saturday's match, he commented: "Working with [Alexander-Arnold], he strikes me as a very intelligent guy, who understands the game very well, and quickly grasps what we want from him.

"He's not the typical full-back who's always going to be out wide. He can also play centrally.

"We want players to be able to interchange positions. We're lucky to have a player like that."

Alexander-Arnold and Madrid return to the pitch on Tuesday, facing off against Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League playoff.

The second leg is scheduled for just over a week later, as they aim to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.