Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly targeting a return against Liverpool next month despite initial doubts he would be fit.
The right-back looked gutted when a hamstring injury forced him off against Marseille in September after just three minutes.
And the early prognosis was that Alexander-Arnold was in a race against time to be ready for the blockbuster clash against his former family at Anfield.
He joined Real Madrid to much fanfare for £10million over the summer but his injury has exacerbated his struggles to establish himself in Xabi Alonso‘s starting XI.
The 26-year-old has started only two of the five games he has been available for this campaign amid a battle for action with long-serving club captain Dani Carvajal.
But The Times are reporting that his recovery has been going well and returning to his old hunting ground could be a glimmer of light for him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly aiming to be ready to play Liverpool next month
The right-back injured his hamstring last month and there were doubts he would be ready
He was also pictured in training on Wednesday and wrote on Instagram that he will be ‘back soon’.
The Athletic went as far as reporting on Monday that some of Madrid’s medical staff believe he could be back as early as the El Clasico against Barcelona on October 26.
It would be fascinating to see the reception he receives after a controversial exit from the club he was with since the age of six.
In May he was booed by Reds fans as he came on against Arsenal after announcing his decision to leave the club.
Alexander-Arnold’s legacy was complicated by the fact he went to Madrid for such a low fee, and arrived in Spain seemingly speaking decent Spanish, making Liverpool fans suspicious of how long he had harboured intentions to leave.
But he was one of the heroes for the Reds as they ascended back to the top of the game under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League while rising to the status of vice-captain.
The expectations are equally high, if not higher, over in the Spanish capital, where he has joined one of his closest footballing friends in Jude Bellingham.
Asked about the battle between Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal to become the defacto No 1 right-back, Alonso explained that it is far from straightforward for either player to do so.
‘Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the team, and they’re challenged internally because there are team-mates who are ready,’ Alonso previously said.
The Englishman has often found himself sat on the bench since joining Real Madrid
‘It also happens in other positions, like centre back or winger. Whoever deserves it will play; it’s going to be very repetitive all year.’
Since his injury, Alexander-Arnold has missed four LaLiga fixtures as well as a Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty.
Getting one over Liverpool would go some way to convincing the Madrid faithful of his value.
One man who will be hoping for a fond reception for him is Jamie Carragher, who expressed his disappointment that Alexander-Arnold was booed in May.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the referee brought an end to the 2-2 draw, Carragher said: ‘That’s the story of the game, that’s what everyone is going to be talking about. It will be on the back page of every newspaper tomorrow.
‘I was surprised how many, when you’re in a crowd of 60,000. There’s a lot of unhappy people in Liverpool about the situation. I’ve said that’s understandable.
‘I said before this away at Leicester when there were a few boos from the away section that I don’t believe that any player putting that red shirt on and going out to play for the club to try and win them three points or win them trophies should be booed.
‘I understand there’s a lot of ill feeling and I can get that but I think booing one of your own players when they’re playing is not for me.’
