Trent Alexander-Arnold, who returns to the Liverpool squad, could play a role from the bench against Real Madrid

Arne Slot says Trent Alexander-Arnold is not fit enough to start Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield – but he could play a role from the bench.

The England right-back returned to team training in Kirkby on Tuesday after being sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa earlier this month.

Alisson, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa are still missing, while Kostas Tsimikas has made the absent list after turning his ankle in training.

Castle are likely to keep Alexander-Arnold out for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City, with Conor Bradley set to start against Real Madrid.

“It’s funny that you talk about our injuries because most people only ask about the injuries that Real Madrid have. We’ve had a few recently,” Slot said.

“Trent is in the squad but he will not be available to start. He might get a few minutes. In an ideal world, he might not, but if it’s really necessary, he can.

“Federico is not in the squad yet. He is training with us, not the whole session but one or two parts.

“Harvey Elliott is with the team but has not played competitive football for a long time. He is there but not ready to start. Alisson is not there yet, Diogo is not there yet, Kostas is not there – he has an injury too . It’s a good list for us too.”

Alexander-Arnold suffered the injury earlier this month (Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Alexander-Arnold’s future is uncertain with his contract expiring next summer. He has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, but left-back Andy Robertson insists his close friend is solely focused on helping Liverpool secure glory this season.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also in the final year of their current deals.

Robertson said: “All I can say is if you look at Mo today or yesterday he’s the ultimate professional. The same goes for Virgil and Trent who are in similar positions. They’re so focused on the next game, ​​​​​​​to train and prepare properly. They have been leaders.

“We won’t be distracted and they won’t be distracted. We’re all excited for the game tomorrow night.

“Trent is one of the closest friends I have in the locker room. We took a bit of the journey together. He is a great footballer, great person. The quality speaks for itself.

“He’s one of, if not the best right-back in the world. He shows it year after year and he’s still quite young. He has a will to succeed and a will to learn. You’ve seen that this season as well .He’s a joy to play with. We’ve grown together in the full-back role and I’ve enjoyed doing it with him.”

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(Top photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)