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Real Madrid vs. Liverpool: Predicted lineup & team news for Trent's Anfield return

Joe Wright

Real Madrid lineup vs. Liverpool: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries as Trent prepares for Anfield return image

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Real Madrid face a tough test of their unblemished UEFA Champions League record when they travel to face Liverpool in the Premier League.

Los Blancos were beaten at Anfield during last season's league phase but have won three out of three so far this term under Xabi Alonso - read our match prediction here.

Liverpool have endured a tough period but hammered Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in their previous Champions League game and returned to winning ways in the Premier League against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Much of the pre-match attention will be on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who returns to Merseyside for the first time since his much-discussed switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer.

RECAP: Minute-by-minute updates, highlights, and more from Real Madrid vs. Valencia

Real Madrid XI vs. Liverpool: Projected

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Courtois (GK)

Valverde, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras

Tchouameni, Camavinga

Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius

Mbappe

Updates on the Real Madrid squad

Xabi Alonso's primary concerns persist in defense, as Antonio Rudiger  and David Alaba, both center-backs, are still unavailable. Furthermore, club captain Dani Carvajal is now facing a prolonged absence because of a knee injury.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been an unused substitute for the past two La Liga matches and it would be a huge call for Alonso to throw him into an anticipated Anfield cauldron six weeks on from his most recent competitive action. 

Federico Valverde  is expected to start at right-back once again, leaving a probable combination of Aurelien TchouameniEduardo Camavinga  and Jude Bellingham  to tackle midfield duties.

MORE: Is Vinicius Jr. Unhappy with the amount of time he's playing for Xabi Alonso?

Real Madrid's injured players

Here's the most recent injury update for Real Madrid, along with projected return timelines for players currently out of action. 

Mastantuono stars

  • Injury: Pubalgia
  • Expected return date: Unknown

Teenage midfielder Mastantuono has been struck down by the same ailment that has hindered Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. 

Also known as a "sports hernia" the injury is one that has to be managed and can result in an absence ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity.

Alaba's new contract

  • Injury: Calf strain (right leg)
  • Expected return date: November 4, 2025

Alaba sustained a calf problem in the win at Getafe and sat out the wins over Barcelona and Valencia. The experience defender could recover to take a place on the bench

Carvajal's Madrid role

  • Injury: Knee surgery
  • Expected return date: December, 2025

Spain star Carvajal missed the majority of last season due to a horrific ACL tear and the club confirmed he needs surgery on separate knee problem which flared up against Barcelona. He could miss the remainder of 2025 as part of his recovery.

Rudiger

  • Injury: Thigh muscle tear (left leg)
  • Expected return date: November 22, 2025

Rudiger tore a thigh muscle in September and was given an estimated recovery period of three months. "Rudiger is still a little way off, but he'll be fine for the next block," Alonso said, hinting at a return on the other side of the November international break.

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: details

  • Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
  • Kickoff time:  8 p.m.
  • Location:  Anfield, Liverpool (UK)
  • Competition: Champions League, league phase matchweek 4
  • Referee:  Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
  • VAR: Bastian Dankert (Germany)

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