Arne Slot is likely to face questions about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future when Liverpool returns to action after a 17-day hiatus. The Reds are set to host Everton on April 2, aiming to recover from the disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United.
Liverpool has had an extended break between matches, having also been eliminated from the FA Cup by Championship underdogs Plymouth Argyle in early February. Slot’s men are not playing this weekend as the quarter-finals kick off following the March international break.
However, it hasn’t been a quiet break at Anfield, with reports suggesting that Alexander-Arnold is nearing an agreement with Real Madrid.
The Liverpool vice-captain, currently out with an ankle injury, is out of contract at the end of the season, leading to constant speculation about his future. Real Madrid failed with a mid-season bid for the defender before the January transfer window.
In light of the recent reports about Alexander-Arnold, Slot is expected to be asked for his thoughts at his next pre-match press conference ahead of the Merseyside derby.
The club has scheduled a live stream of Slot’s press conference on YouTube for 10am BST (5am ET) on Tuesday, April 1. This is provisional and subject to change.
While Slot will be quizzed about Alexander-Arnold’s future, whether he provides a clear answer remains to be seen. He has remained tight-lipped throughout the season when asked about the contract situations of his vice-captain, as well as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose current contracts also expire this summer.
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However, the Dutch manager may provide an injury update on Alexander-Arnold after the defender picked up an ankle injury against PSG. In his last pre-match press conference before the Newcastle game, Slot confirmed that the England international would miss the League Cup final but was expected to return before the season concludes.
However, Alexander-Arnold had not yet been assessed following his injury, with Liverpool now in a better position to comment on his absence over two weeks later.
Slot will also provide updates on the fitness of Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch, who pulled out of international duty due to injuries, and Ibrahima Konate who picked up a knock while on duty with France. Aside from Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton are currently on Liverpool’s injury list.
