Mohamed Salah had telling response to Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid update

Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Real Madrid is uncertain amid conflicting reports about his status under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, with speculation mounting about a potential return to Liverpool

Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were teammates at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Less than a year after his prominent departure from Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold's circumstances are once more the subject of intense speculation, with contradictory reports emerging about his situation at Real Madrid.

The England international, 27, was courted by the Spanish club for months while his Anfield contract wound down. Last June, the long-anticipated move was confirmed when Madrid paid around $13 million to secure his services before he entered free agency, enabling him to participate in the Club World Cup.

Regrettably for both Alexander-Arnold and Madrid, matters haven't unfolded as anticipated. He found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter under Xabi Alonso in the opening half of the campaign and hasn't appeared since December owing to injury.

Reports surfaced last week suggesting Alexander-Arnold had been informed he wasn't part of Real's new manager Alvaro Arbeloa's future plans, after the ex-Liverpool right-back took charge of the side following Alonso's exit earlier this month.

Subsequently, however, alternative accounts have emerged indicating this isn't accurate and that the club maintains confidence in Alexander-Arnold.

This uncertainty has fuelled suggestions that the Liverpool academy product might pursue a Merseyside return sooner than expected, and he would probably receive a warm reception should that materialize.

Alexander-Arnold is nearing his return to first-team action(Image: Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah was among the Liverpool players who publicly backed Alexander-Arnold when his transfer to Madrid was finalized.

Beneath an Instagram post showing Alexander-Arnold in his new strip with the words "family is everything," Liverpool's key man replied with two red hearts.

Alexander-Arnold, who developed an instinctive partnership with Salah down Liverpool's right flank during Jurgen Klopp's tenure, reciprocated earlier this season.

Following Salah's candid interview criticising Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold commented with the goat emoji on a post highlighting the Egyptian's remarkable statistics, leaving no doubt about his admiration.

While speculation about an Anfield return might appeal to sentimentalists, Alexander-Arnold will be entirely concentrated on establishing himself as a regular starter in Arbeloa's side as he nears full fitness.

Whether he'll feature in Wednesday's Champions League match against Benfica remains uncertain.

Madrid is third in the Champions League standings and will secure a place in the last 16 with a victory against Benfica in Lisbon.

In terms of La Liga, Los Blancos are second in the table, just a point behind Barcelona in first.