Trent Alexander-Arnold free to complete Liverpool reunion after Real Madrid update

 Trent Alexander-Arnold is targeting a return to Real Madrid action before the Spanish giants face Liverpool in the Champions League. The former Reds full-back's recovery from a hamstring injury has progressed well and appearing at Anfield on November 4 is now realistic, per reports.

Real have four matches before their trip to Merseyside and Alexander-Arnold is said to hope to make his return towards the end of that run. The 27-year-old was initially given a six-week timeline to make his return and has already been out for four weeks.

The Los Blancos star was devastated when he suffered an injury in the opening minutes of the Champions League match against Marseille last month. The setback capped off a difficult start to his life in Spain's capital.

Alexander-Arnold quickly found his place in the Real Madrid starting XI before Xabi Alonso opted to make use of club captain Dani Carvajal when he returned from a serious knee injury. The defender's lack of minutes cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad in September.

And now, Alexander-Arnold will be forced to prove both his fitness and his quality to earn a place in both sides in the coming weeks. A return to his hometown club will ensure that is a difficult task.

The Liverpool academy product will likely face a hostile reception on his return to Merseyside after choosing to reject a new contract at the club in favour of moving to the Berbabeu. The Reds earned a £10million fee by releasing him early to play in the Club World Cup.

"It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Liverpool is my home; it made me who I am. But Madrid felt like the right step, at the right time," Alexander-Arnold told GQ Espana when asked about his Liverpool exit.

"It was ambition and a personal desire for change. To challenge myself in a new environment. Of course, Real Madrid’s legacy is undeniable. But more than that, what attracted me was my ambition and the desire to test myself in new surroundings.

“It’s a challenge, but one I welcome. Playing at the Bernabeu is sacred. You can feel the weight of the shirt, but that’s what drives you to give it your all.”

Alexander-Arnold faced boos from Liverpool fans after announcing his plans to depart before the end of the season. The reception he received was divisive among supporters, but there was frustration.

He received a kinder reception when making his final appearance against Crystal Palace, and cut an emotional figure in scenes on the pitch following the full-time whistle on the final day of last season.