Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to training ahead of Real Madrid clash but Alisson not involved | OneFootball

Alexander-Arnold has been out for two-and-a-half weeks with a hamstring injury

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold trained with the squad ahead of the Champions League visit of Real Madrid.

The full-back has been out since being forced off with a hamstring injury in the first half against Aston Villa on November 9.

However, he was present for open training on Tuesday lunchtime to raise hopes he could be in contention to face Real or, more likely, Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Forward Federico Chiesa, who has struggled with fitness following his late August move from Juventus and has not featured for two months, also joined the group after a short individual warm-up session.

However, left-back Kostas Tsimikas remained absent, having missed Sunday's win at Southampton with an ankle injury, and is expected to be sidelined for a short spell.

Alisson Becker, who has missed eight matches with a hamstring problem, was not present with the goalkeepers, despite returning to individual training last week.

Alisson Becker is not expected to return against Real Madrid

REUTERS

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, insisted two Champions League final defeats to Real provide no extra motivation as the Reds prepare to face the Spanish giants again.

The 33-year-old Netherlands defender has lost four times against Real, two of those in the finals of 2018 and 2021 when arguably Liverpool were the better side on both occasions.

Even when Liverpool have been rewarded for being on top, leading 2-0 inside the opening 14 minutes of their home quarter-final in February 2023, Real came back to score five times.

It is why they remain such a dangerous opponent and why Van Dijk does not have two more Champions League winners' medals to add to the one he picked up in 2019.

"If you lose two Champions League finals I think that is very, very painful," he said.

"I've never won against them in my time at Liverpool or as a football player.

"They found a way to win always in the past against us and it was tough. They have fantastic players, a fantastic manager, and it won't be any different on Wednesday.

"I'm not that kind of guy who needs extra fuel, extra pain, in order to be better. If you need extra motivation for a Champions League game against Real Madrid then there is something wrong.

"I don't sense that whatsoever from the team. I know myself I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can make it a special night together with our fans.

"I think if we win we will qualify for the knockouts so there are so many good things at stake, hopefully we can make it."