Is Trent Alexander-Arnold fit to face Real Madrid? Liverpool poster boy linked with transfer to join Jude Bellingham
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return for Liverpool’s blockbuster Champions League clash against Real Madrid this week. The right-back came off after 25 minutes during the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield before the international break and hasn’t been seen since. Alexander-Arnold has lost two Champions League finals to MadridGetty He then pulled out of the England squad for the November internationals with a hamstring injury. Heading into this match, there is a huge question mark over his availability as much as there has been over his long-term future. Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree a new deal, has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid. Is Alexander-Arnold fit to face Madrid? Arne Slot has confirmed his vice-captain is set to make his return from injury on Wednesday night, live on talkSPORT. However, the Dutchman has admitted he will avoid risking Alexander-Arnold from the start ahead of facing Manchester City this weekend. The defender successfully made his return to full training on Tuesday but hasn’t played a minute since November 9. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “Trent is in the squad but he will not be available to start. “He can maybe make a few minutes, in an ideal world he maybe doesn’t, but if it’s really necessary he can make a few minutes tomorrow. “Federico [Chiesa]’s not in the squad yet. He’s training with us, not the whole session but one or two parts of it. “Harvey Elliott is in the team but hasn’t played for a long time, so he’s there but not ready to start. Alisson is not there yet, Diogo’s not there yet, Kostas is not there, so it’s quite a list for us.” Alexander-Arnold is back in trainingGetty Alexander-Arnold started the win over Villa before complaining of a hamstring issue, and he limped off the pitch. He was one of nine players to withdraw from Lee Carsley’s final games as Three Lions’ interim boss, which they won 3-0 and 5-0, respectively. The extra rest wasn’t enough for Alexander-Arnold to return on Sunday, as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton 3-2. All eyes will be fixated on the 26-year-old, should he feature against Madrid such is the ongoing speculation linking him with a move. He fuelled the rumours when he was spotted signing a fan’s Los Blancos shirt whilst on holiday. Alexander-Arnold, who is close friends with Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, has been made a prime target by Madrid after Dani Carvajal’s injury. Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham became close pals on England dutyAFP talkSPORT revealed last month that Madrid‘s arch-rivals Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also keen on the England defender. He will be free to speak to foreign clubs in January over a free transfer next summer. Liverpool vs Real Madrid: How to follow This Champions League clash will be held on Wednesday, November 27. Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 8pm. Alexander-Arnold felt something in his hamstring and was withdrawnAFP talkSPORT will have live commentary from Merseyside, Presented by Adrian Durham. Commentary comes from Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce. talkSPORT.com will also have updates in our dedicated live Champions League blog. To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return for Liverpool’s blockbuster Champions League clash against Real Madrid this week.
The right-back came off after 25 minutes during the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield before the international break and hasn’t been seen since.
He then pulled out of the England squad for the November internationals with a hamstring injury.
Heading into this match, there is a huge question mark over his availability as much as there has been over his long-term future.
Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree a new deal, has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid.
Is Alexander-Arnold fit to face Madrid?
Arne Slot has confirmed his vice-captain is set to make his return from injury on Wednesday night, live on talkSPORT.
However, the Dutchman has admitted he will avoid risking Alexander-Arnold from the start ahead of facing Manchester City this weekend.
The defender successfully made his return to full training on Tuesday but hasn’t played a minute since November 9.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “Trent is in the squad but he will not be available to start.
“He can maybe make a few minutes, in an ideal world he maybe doesn’t, but if it’s really necessary he can make a few minutes tomorrow.
“Federico [Chiesa]’s not in the squad yet. He’s training with us, not the whole session but one or two parts of it.
“Harvey Elliott is in the team but hasn’t played for a long time, so he’s there but not ready to start. Alisson is not there yet, Diogo’s not there yet, Kostas is not there, so it’s quite a list for us.”
Alexander-Arnold started the win over Villa before complaining of a hamstring issue, and he limped off the pitch.
He was one of nine players to withdraw from Lee Carsley’s final games as Three Lions’ interim boss, which they won 3-0 and 5-0, respectively.
The extra rest wasn’t enough for Alexander-Arnold to return on Sunday, as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton 3-2.
All eyes will be fixated on the 26-year-old, should he feature against Madrid such is the ongoing speculation linking him with a move.
He fuelled the rumours when he was spotted signing a fan’s Los Blancos shirt whilst on holiday.
Alexander-Arnold, who is close friends with Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, has been made a prime target by Madrid after Dani Carvajal’s injury.
talkSPORT revealed last month that Madrid‘s arch-rivals Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also keen on the England defender.
He will be free to speak to foreign clubs in January over a free transfer next summer.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: How to follow
This Champions League clash will be held on Wednesday, November 27.
Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live commentary from Merseyside, Presented by Adrian Durham.
Commentary comes from Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce.
talkSPORT.com will also have updates in our dedicated live Champions League blog.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
