Trent Alexander-Arnold Returns to Liverpool Squad - Arne Slot Rules Out Starting Role Against Real Madrid

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in training and will be included in the squad to face Real Madrid, but he will not start the match.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the club's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid at Anfield tomorrow. Alexander-Arnold has been sidelined with an injury, but he has now returned to training with the Liverpool squad.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the squad to face Real Madrid but he is NOT available to start,” Slot confirmed. “He can maybe make a few minutes, in an ideal world he won't.”

While Alexander-Arnold's return to the squad is a welcome boost for Liverpool, Slot was less forthcoming about the future of star forward Mo Salah. When asked about Salah's contract situation, Slot reiterated his stance on not commenting on contractual matters.

“Mo Salah's future? I've said many times I don't comment about contracts,” Slot said. “Only thing I can say is... if I look at my line-ups, Mo Salah is more in than out!”

Slot also dismissed any suggestions that Salah's contract situation might be a distraction for the player or the team. “I don't think there is any distraction for him, the players and definitely not for me,” Slot added.

With the visit of Real Madrid to Anfield looming, Liverpool will be looking to put aside any distractions and focus on securing a positive result in the Champions League.