Liverpool fans, brace yourselves — the script writes itself yet again. Real Madrid are coming back to Anfield for another Champions League clash, and this time, a familiar face could make a dramatic return.
Former Reds vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has been included in Real Madrid’s 22-man squad to face Liverpool, marking his first visit to Anfield since leaving the club in the summer.
The right-back’s return has already stirred emotions among fans who still remember his glittering years in red.
Madrid, however, will arrive without several key players. Dani Carvajal (knee), Antonio Rudiger (muscle) and David Alaba (calf) are all sidelined, while Franco Mastantuono misses out due to a groin issue.
Only Alaba reportedly has a slim chance of returning soon, leaving Xabi Alonso with a reshuffled defense.
Trent returns to Anfield — but will he start?
With Carvajal unavailable, Alonso faces a big call at right-back. While Trent’s inclusion hints at a possible start, his recent hamstring recovery could see Federico Valverde filling in again, as he did in Madrid’s 4-0 win over Valencia.
The England international has yet to play a single minute since coming back from injury, and Alonso may choose caution over sentiment in such a high-stakes clash. Still, the sight of Trent back at Anfield — albeit in white — will no doubt tug at heartstrings.
Speaking ahead of the match, Alonso explained why his side didn’t train at Anfield before flying to Merseyside:
“It’s my decision because we have to prepare for the match and we prefer to do it at our training ground, in our own space, so that we’re not surrounded by 200 cameras.”
Madrid’s traveling squad includes stars like Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, and Rodrygo, underlining the firepower the Reds will have to contain.
Los Blancos have won 10 of their 11 La Liga games this season and remain perfect in the Champions League group stage.
Liverpool, buoyed by their 2-0 win over Aston Villa, will aim to keep that momentum rolling — and perhaps remind Trent what he’s missing.