Real Madrid Boss Reveals Starting XI, Valverde OUT! Klopp's Main Man Called Up to Anfield

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Real Madrid will be without club captain Dani Carvajal for the foreseeable future, due to him being forced to undergo surgery on his right knee. The veteran Spanish defender had only just returned after weeks out with a separate injury, which is disappointing news for Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, but it has also created an opportunity for Trent Alexander Arnold to find his place in the Real Madrid vs Liverpool starting XI. Trent has missed the last six weeks with a hamstring injury, and Valverde was deputized at right-back in the recent weeks.

Trent May Start Against His Former Club

Trent Alexander Arnold injury has kept him away from the squad as he has not played for Real Madrid since being forced off five minutes into the Champions League clash against Marseille in mid-September, but ahead of the upcoming La Liga game against Valencia, Madrid fans will only have one question in mind: “Is Trent playing tonight?”. His level of fitness will be tested in the home fixture, and if he comes through the test, he will have a great chance to be in the Real Madrid vs Liverpool starting XI as a right-back instead of Valverde, who has been playing out of his position. Next week's Champions League clash at Anfield will be a spicy affair, considering Trent did not extend his contract, which allowed him to join Los Blancos in the summer transfer window, will also make room for him to be a part of the Real Madrid vs Liverpool UCL Lineups. The reigning Premier League Champions Liverpool have been in very poor form of late, losing 5 consecutive matches.

Xabi Alonso Follows in Jose Mourinho's Footsteps

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has decided to change the club's travel routine and will not take the pre-match training session at Anfield. Instead, they will train at Valdebebas and then travel to Liverpool for the pre-match press conference, as UEFA has a mandate that requires away teams to handle media duties at the venue where the game is going to be held. Former Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso, who was coached by Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, saw both legends implement this policy in the past.

The main reason for this unconventional approach is to maintain familiar training routines and avoid the disruption of working in a foreign environment before such a crucial European tie. Los Blancos have previously trained only at one site when logistical challenges made it impossible, such as during their trip to Kazakhstan for their opening Champions League fixture.