dropped, injury and 'sad' Liverpool prediction

Trent Alexander-Arnold may have completed his dream move to Real Madrid, but the former Liverpool player has endured a disastrous week for the Spanish giants.

Alexander-Arnold opted to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, which led to extreme backlash as fans slammed the former academy graduate for running down his deal. Madrid did end up paying Liverpool $12 million for an early release so that he could play at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The England defender appeared in all four La Liga matches to start the season, but only started twice.. Alexander-Arnold was seen as a natural replacement for the aging Dani Carvajal, but the transition has been far from smooth.

Liverpool is all that Alexander-Arnold has ever known, and the defender is now aiming to adapt to life in Spain. The adjustment is difficult for all foreign players, especially when there is added pressure to perform for Madrid instantly.

Alexander-Arnold has yet to register an assist this season, a significant selling point that makes him one of the most unique defenders in the world. However, after suffering an injury against Marseille in the Champions League, Alexander-Arnold has been handed a setback after a tough week.

Injury on Champions League debut

Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 on Tuesday night, but Alexander-Arnold's Champions League debut ended inside five minutes. The defender suffered a suspected hamstring injury, meaning he could face several weeks on the sidelines.

Alexander-Arnold was replaced by Carvajal, who has been competing for the starting role, but the veteran was shown a straight red card later in the game. Carvajal is suspended for the next Champions League match away to Kairat on Sept. 30.

If Alexander-Arnold's injury is serious, head coach Xabi Alonso could be faced with a key decision, with both of his right-back options unavailable. However, Alonso hasn't hesitated to drop Alexander-Arnold this season, meaning alternatives have likely been considered.

Dropped for La Liga clash after England snub

After joining Madrid, Alexander-Arnold was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel when the England head coach announced his first national team roster of the season. While Alexander-Arnold was able to rest due to a lack of playing time, he was dropped for the first game back against Real Sociedad.

Alexander-Arnold came on for the final eight minutes, and he was also benched against Real Oviedo as Alonso decided to start Carvajal. When asked about his preferred right-back, Alonso said that he will pick the player who deserves to start.

"Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the squad. That's good for the team and the players," Alonso said. "They have to be pushed to give their best. You know there is strong competition, you see teammates who are ready to play.

"So far, Trent and Carvajal have both had an impact in other positions as well, whether that be at centre-back or out wide. I think it's a really healthy thing for the day-to-day in the squad, so nobody feels disconnected. Whoever deserves it the most will play. That will be the case throughout the year."

'Sad' Liverpool prediction made

There was one key Champions League fixture that stood out after the draw was complete, and that was Madrid heading to Anfield to face Liverpool on Nov. 4. Just months after leaving the Premier League champions, Alexander-Arnold would be back on Merseyside.

Alexander-Arnold faced hostility when leaving Liverpool, while some fans attempted to embrace his decision. However, soccer legend and analyst Ally McCoist expects a mixed reaction from the Anfield crowd if Alexander-Arnold is fit to face Liverpool in seven weeks.

"Sadly, I think it will be mixed," McCoist told TNT Sports. "I get it, I know what football fans are like, I get it totally. But I think the majority of Liverpool fans totally appreciate and understand and are thankful for Trent's services, which were fantastic.

"There will be an edge, of course, you go back, there will be a little bit of an edge, some of the fans will give him a little bit of a hard time, it goes without saying. But I would think and hope the majority will be pleased to see him back, and welcome him back."

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