'Count me in': Sensational Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool return is ON

Liverpool fans were left disappointed with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club last summer.

Having spent 20 years with his boyhood team, the right-back refused to sign a new contract. He had his eye on a high-profile free transfer to Real Madrid - although Los Blancos ended up paying £10m to bring the deal forward by one month.

Life in the Spanish capital hasn’t got off to the best of starts for the 27-year-old. The England international was criticised for his lack of fitness during the FIFA Club World Cup and it didn’t take long until Dani Carvajal won his starting place back in LaLiga.

To make matters worse, Alexander-Arnold was injured in the Champions League game against Marseille - leaving Xabi Alonso short in the right-back position.

Alexander-Arnold's indifferent Real Madrid start

Trent returned last weekend - sitting on the bench for Real’s win against Barcelona in El Clasico - with Carvajal also appearing alongside his new right-back rival.

The 33-year-old was summoned from the bench when Fede Valverde needed to be subbed out - but Carvajal injured his knee and will require surgery on an injury that could keep him out for three months.

Alexander-Arnold therefore could NOT have timed his return from injury any better - with Carvajal laid up it is expected that he will establish himself in the lineup.

Following the weekend Spanish top-flight clash against Valencia, the 15-time European champions face Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League.

Trent Alexander-Arnold WILL return to Anfield

It promises to be an awkward moment for Alexander-Arnold - who hasn’t gone off to Real Madrid with the full backing of his former club’s fans.

Xabi Alonso - according to a new report in Defensa Central - has now decided that Trent WILL play at right-back for the game next week.

Moreover, the former Liverpool midfielder has been upfront with Alexander-Arnold - demanding to know if he is mentally equipped to deal with the challenge.

Trent says: 'Count me in'

“I don't want to put you in a difficult position, but mentally, I need to know if you're ready to start at Anfield,” Xabi allegedly asked Trent on Thursday. But Alexander-Arnold replied in the positive.

“Of course, count me in," was the response according to the report.

So Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield return is very much ON. Given his lack of match action in recent weeks, the full-back is in for a very testing evening - whether Arne Slot opts to use Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha or even Florian Wirtz on the left wing.

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