Jude Bellingham was reserved when questioned on the future of his "good mate" Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. (More Football News)
Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Liverpool runs out at the end of the season, leaving 🍰lingering doubts over the future of the right-back.
He has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid, where Bellingham has thrived since he joined from Borussia 𓆉Dortmund in 2023.
Alexander-Arnold and B🍌ellingham will meet at Anfield on Wednesday as Madrid face Liverpool in a heavyweight Champions League clash.
While Bellingham woul♈d not be drawn on speculation, he does hope 🦩;to be playing alongside Alexander-Arnold next season, one way or the other.
"I'll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway, so hopefully, that'll be a guarantee," Bellingham said at a press ⛎conference.
"He's a Liverpool player, and I think it's disrespectful to come to his home today and speak about something that couꦑld be misconstrued, so I think it's important to take thatಞ pressure off him.
"He's a really good mate of mine, and I want him to do well normally, obviously not tomorrow night. We'll see what hap♏pens, but as I said, he's a Liverpool player."
Alexander-Arnold has played the second-most key passes in Liverpoo✅l's squad (20) in the Premier League this season.
In the Champions Lea💜gue this term, he has attempted the fourth most crosses for Liverpool (six) in the competition this season and contributed on📖e assist.
Half of Liverpool's goals in the Champions League this season have been scored following crosses (5/10), with their five such goals ඣbeing the 𓆏most of any side.
Alexander-Arn🐷old missed Liverpool's 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday, as the Reds went eigh𓃲t points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The 26-year-old could return to the fold against Madrid but Arne 🥀Slot is keen not to rush his return.
"Trent is in th🔯e squad but he will not be avai🥂lable to start," Slot said.
"He can maybe make a few minutes, in an ideal world he maybe༒ doesn't, but if it's really necessary he can make a few minutes tomorrow," he said.
