The reunion everyone has been waiting for is officially on. Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit and available for Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
The right-back’s start to life in Spain hasn’t exactly gone as scripted. Since swapping Merseyside for Madrid in the summer, Alexander-Arnold has spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch.
A hamstring injury suffered in mid-September sidelined him for nearly two months, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Real Madrid surged through their early-season fixtures.
He was named on the bench for El Clasico and the following league games but did not feature, leaving fans wondering if he would be ready in time for this emotional Anfield return.
That question has now been answered — and by none other than Alonso himself.
“He’s fine, he’s available, and the other day he didn’t play because of the context of the game. He can play and after his injury, we need him because he has great quality,” Alonso told reporters ahead of the clash.
“It’s a new stage for him both on a sporting and personal level and we have to help him and give him what he needs to perform because he’s an exceptional footballer that we have in this squad. He has to enjoy this game in his own way.”
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Xabi Alonso opens up on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s connection to Liverpool
Alonso also spoke warmly about Alexander-Arnold’s connection to Liverpool, recalling how he had seen the Scouser grow from a local academy boy to a Champions League winner.
“His story is different to mine. He was born here. I remember when he was a little boy and he was in the academy. It’s nice to be back and it’s going to be nice for him,” Alonso added.
However, reports from Spain suggest that while Trent is available, he may not start. Federico Valverde is expected to keep his place at right-back, with Alonso reportedly cautious about rushing the England international back too soon.
For Liverpool fans, this encounter is bound to stir emotions — seeing one of their own step out for the opposition at Anfield, managed by another former hero.
Football, after all, has a funny way of bringing stories full circle — and this one’s set to be written under the bright European lights.
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