Alexander-Arnold to make fast return as Reds face Real

Liverpool and City draw Spanish giant in Champions League

- WILL CASTLE

Trent Alexander-Arnold faces the tantalising prospect of a first return to Anfield since his frosty exit after Real Madrid drew Liverpool in the league phase of the Champions League yesterday.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, departed his boyhood club after 20 years in June, a decision that was met with hostility from Reds fans. After announcing his intention to leave at the end of his contract, he was booed by his own supporters in his next appearance at Anfield, although he received a warmer reception on the final day of the season as Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy.

He moved to Real Madrid for an early release transfer fee of £10m, with Los Blancos opting to splash the extra cash to secure his services in time for the Club World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold surprised fans by speaking near-fluent Spanish at his unveiling, revealing that he had been learning the language for months. However, the Englishman has endured a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital and has already dropped out of the starting lineup in place of veteran Dani Carvajal, who recently returned from a long-term injury.

Having won two Premier League titles and a Champions League with Liverpool during a glittering spell, Alexander-Arnold will now square off against the club he grew up supporting.