And Alonso has confirmed that Alexander-Arnold is fit to feature from the off against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon. Were the Spaniard to use the summer signing from the outset, it would mark Alexander-Arnold’s third league start of the season and his first since suffering a hamstring injury against Marseille in September.

Alexander-Arnold was forced off after just five minutes in the eventual 2-1 win over the French giants, with Dani Carvajal – who is now injured – and Federico Valverde both deputising at right-back in the former’s absence.

And when asked whether the ex-Reds man is ready to start on Sunday, Alonso replied: “Yes, [Trent] is ready, he’s been training for a few weeks.  

“Tomorrow you’ll know if he starts or not. In the circumstances, [Valverde] has played there and done well. He’s always ready to help the team. It’s an option we have.”

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