Arne Slot makes huge Trent Alexander-Arnold decision as Liverpool change made for Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the Liverpool squad but is fit enough only for the bench against Real Madrid in the Champions League as Alisson Becker misses out once more.

Alisson suffered a hamstring injury at Crystal Palace in early October and is back in training ahead of a comeback but the Brazil goalkeeper will miss Wednesday's clash with the European Cup holders as he looks to prove his fitness in time for Manchester City on Sunday.

Alexis Mac Allister returns to midfield after starting Sunday's 3-2 win at Southampton on the bench, with the Argentina midfielder selected alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones further forward. Dominik Szoboszlai drops to the bench, despite his goal against the Saints.

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As expected, Andy Robertson starts at left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas nursing an ankle injury while Conor Bradley is on the opposite flank in place of Alexander-Arnold, who suffered a hamstring issue in the victory over Aston Villa on November 9.

Cody Gakpo drops to the bench as Luis Diaz returns on the left side of the attack, while Darwin Nunez once more leads the line in the absence of Diogo Jota, who has been absent since being hurt in clash with Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo on October 20.

Harvey Elliott is once more part of the bench after his recent return from a foot fracture. The midfielder has played just once for the Reds this term, as a late substitute in the win against Brentford in early August.

Meanwhile Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both start for Real Madrid, who are without Vinicius Junior. The Brazil winger is sidelined for this one alongside David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eder Militao.

Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.

Subs: Jaros, Davies, Gomez, Endo, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Elliott, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Morton.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Camavinga, Modric; Guler, Mbappe, Diaz.

Subs: Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Endrick, Lucas Vazquez, Vallejo, Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Gonzalo.