Trent Alexander-Arnold remains on course to return to full fitness before the end of the season, meaning Liverpool fans may not have seen him in a red shirt for the final time.
The Liverpool defender has not played since he limped off against Paris Saint-Germain with an ankle problem a month ago. Since then, speculation over his future has only intensified with Real Madrid growing in confidence of landing the England international on a free transfer.
Alexander-Arnold has faced something of a backlash from supporters since the developments emerged and it remains to be seen what sort of reception he will receive when he returns to the field.
Speaking ahead of the weekend defeat to Fulham, Arne Slot revealed that Alexander-Arnold and defensive colleague Joe Gomez “will not be back in the coming weeks.” But according to The Mail, the 26-year-old is on course with his recovery.
It is stated that Liverpool’s vice-captain does hope to return to action before the end of the month, although there is no specific time frame on his recovery. Gomez meanwhile also hopes to play again before the season concludes after hamstring surgery.
Meanwhile, Slot is confident that Alisson will be able to make his return to action when Liverpool takes on West Ham this weekend. The Brazilian has been forced to sit out his side’s last two games after sustaining a concussion injury while on international duty.
The incident happened more than two weeks ago but Slot revealed he had not yet completed every step of the protocol to be able to play. However, the report adds that Alisson has been training as normal this week with Slot expected to provide an update on his No.1 when he faces the media on Friday.
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Liverpool was boosted by the return of Conor Bradley at Fulham with the full back setting up Luis Diaz to get his side back into the game. Bradley has been unable to capitalize on Alexander-Arnold’s absence, with Curtis Jones deputizing impressively on the right of the defense in the Merseyside derby win over Everton.
But his weakness in that position was exploited by Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi down Fulham’s left at Craven Cottage and it would not be a surprise for Bradley to be restored to the starting line up against West Ham on Sunday.
Arsenal can close the gap at the top of the table down to eight points when it entertains Brentford on Saturday but Liverpool knows it only needs 11 points from its remaining seven games to be sure of the title.
