Real Madrid left it late to beat Barcelona in a thrilling El Clasico match but for Trent Alexander-Arnold, it was another frustrating night watching from the bench

Trent Alexander-Arnold's disappointing season continued as he had to settle for playing the final few minutes in Real Madrid's dramatic win over Barcelona.

The former Liverpool defender has had a frustrating campaign to date, having failed to win over Jose Mourinho. The arrival of Denzel Dumfries in the summer added fresh doubt to Alexander-Arnold's future, having only arrived the previous summer

Federico Valverde's conversion to full back has seen England international Alexander-Arnold drop further down the Real pecking order at the Bernabeu in recent weeks, amid rumors that he could make a sensational return to Liverpool in January or the summer transfer window.

It was no surprise to see Alexander-Arnold named among the substitutes for Real as they headed to the Camp Nou to take on a Barca side that had won all nine of its La Liga matches.

Valverde was given the nod at full back but was replaced just after the hour mark, shortly after Raphinha had canceled out Kylian Mbappe's opener.

But instead of the ex-Liverpool man, Mourinho turned to Dumfries as his side went in search of a famous victory. And the winner came in the closing moments when Mbappe turned home after clever work from substitute Eduardo Camavinga.

The goal sparked jubilant scenes for Real's players as Mourinho looked to close out the game. And he did that by introducing Alexander-Arnold in place of Arda Guler in the fourth minute of added time.

It was the defender's first piece of action since being substituted in the win over Villarreal, having been an unused substitute in each of Real's last three games.

Having left his boyhood club for the bright lights of the Bernabeu close to 18 months ago, it would be safe to say Alexander-Arnold envisaged a bigger role in the Real set up. To put it bluntly, he is little more than a time-wasting option at present.

While Mourinho is unlikely to sanction Alexander-Arnold's exit in January, it seems a transfer away from Madrid would be best for all parties.

The question then would be about his next destination, with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussing the prospect of a return to Anfield this week.

While discussing Liverpool’s win over Villarreal on Tuesday, Lineker said on The Rest is Football: "You mentioned [Ryan] Gravenberch went back to right-back. They've not quite replaced Trent, but there are a few rumors.

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“He's not really getting much of a look in with Mourinho at Madrid at present. There are a few rumors that the boy Alexander-Arnold might go back.”

Shearer responded: "That would be interesting, really interesting, wouldn't it?" Lineker then gave his approval, concluding: “I think they’d take him back.”

Reds boss Andoni Iraola has used Ronald Araujo at right-back for much of this season with Conor Bradley sidelined and Jeremie Frimpong struggling for form and fitness.

There is no doubt Alexander-Arnold would be an upgrade for the Reds but it remains to be seen if a move will be made to put an end to his Madrid misery.