Is Trent Alexander-Arnold fit to face Real Madrid? Liverpool poster boy linked with transfer to join Jude Bellingham
Today at 12:41 PM
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a major doubt 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.
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.
Here, talkSPORT.com looks into Alexander-Arnold’s situation.
Is Alexander-Arnold fit to face Real Madrid?
As it stands, the England international faces a race against time to make his comeback against Los Blancos on Wednesday.
This is because he has yet to train with the rest of his Liverpool teammates since the injury.
Speaking on Friday ahead of the 3-2 win over Southampton, Arne Slot said: “Trent is not training yet but he is getting there.
“We expect him back soon.”
When pressed on whether Alexander-Arnold could feature at Anfield for the visit of Los Blancos, Slot kept his cards close to his chest.
The Dutchman added: “That is something that we have to wait and see because I just said that the last few days of recovery is always the most tricky because they have to go from isolated training sessions to group training sessions – and that step is always the most difficult one.
"So, for me it is difficult to judge now and to tell you now if it is going to be one, two or three days or a bit longer. The only thing I can say is that with Alisson and with Jota, I don't expect them to be available for that game.
"With Trent, it's going to be in between."
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 the south coast, as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton.
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.
