Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing well, raising hopes that the Real Madrid defender could be fit in time to face former club Liverpool in November’s Champions League clash.

The 27-year-old England international sustained the injury during Real’s group-stage win over Marseille on 16 September, limping off after just five minutes.

Initial reports suggested he could be out for up to six weeks.

Real Madrid are scheduled to travel to Anfield on 4 November – exactly seven weeks after the setback – and reports have indicated that Alexander-Arnold’s rehabilitation remains on track, giving him a realistic chance of being available for the highly anticipated return to Merseyside.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, Alexander-Arnold described leaving Anfield last summer as the “hardest decision [he’s] ever made.”

The right-back came through the club’s academy after joining at the age of six and went on to make 354 senior appearances, winning two Premier League titles, a Champions League, and an FA Cup during his time under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

Since joining Real Madrid in June, Alexander-Arnold has been gradually integrated into Xabi Alonso’s squad, making five appearances across all competitions and playing a total of 156 minutes before his injury.

If his recovery continues smoothly, the Champions League encounter could mark a poignant homecoming for one of Liverpool’s most successful academy graduates – this time wearing the famous white of Real Madrid.