Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
The right-back's contract expires at the end of the season, with speculation mounting during the international break that he could be heading to the Spanish capital.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Everton, Slot addressed the situation as Liverpool look to bounce back from consecutive defeats to PSG and Newcastle.
The Reds boss remained focused on Alexander-Arnold's recovery from injury rather than his contract situation.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer
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Liverpool currently hold a 12-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table with nine games remaining.
"His situation is unfortunately that he is injured. For him, that means he is fully focused on his recovery. We're trying to help him to come back. We've never been focused on those talks," Slot said regarding Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool manager did not provide a timeline for when the defender might return from his injury setback.
Alexander-Arnold has been sidelined since picking up the fitness issue against PSG last month.
Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract this summer
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He missed Liverpool's Carabao Cup final defeat and will definitely not feature in the upcoming derby against Everton.
Slot also addressed the contract situations of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who like Alexander-Arnold, are approaching the end of their deals at Liverpool.
When asked if he was concerned about a trio of star players potentially leaving in the coming weeks, Slot remained calm.
"No. It's a situation that is there for eight or nine months now and I think that all these players have performed so well for us," he replied.
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The Liverpool manager refused to criticise any of his star trio despite their uncertain futures at the club.
All three players have continued to perform at a high level throughout the season despite ongoing speculation about their contracts.
Slot did provide positive updates on other injured players who could be available for the Everton clash.
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"Ryan Gravenberch is fine," Slot confirmed, after the midfielder had withdrawn from Netherlands duty due to injury.
The Liverpool manager also revealed that goalkeeper Alisson has returned to training following a head injury sustained during Brazil's victory over Colombia.
"Alisson also trained with us. The final check-up will be later," he said.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot remains positive despite recent defeats to the likes of PSG and Newcastle
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"Conor Bradley is back with us, but he's only had a few sessions after being out for quite some time, so we have to make a smart decision."
Despite recent setbacks, Slot expressed optimism about Liverpool's remaining fixtures this season.
"We are so looking forward to these nine games," he said. "Our players are refreshed. It's not all negative."
