Trent Alexander-Arnold to be axed from starting XI against Arsenal

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Conor Bradley will start Liverpool's upcoming contest against Arsenal, suggesting that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be axed from the starting XI.

Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the 2024/25 season, and the question has been mooted as to whether he has already played his last game for the Reds.

While the right-back’s decision to leave the club came as little to no surprise, Arne Slot emphasized his disappointment in a press conference days prior to when the Premier League champions welcome Arsenal to Anfield.

“Like everybody who likes Liverpool, I am disappointed. A good human being and very, very, very good full-back is leaving us,” Slot said.

While Trent’s departure is no doubt a kick in the teeth for the Reds, Slot isn’t short of options in that position to finish the season.

Conor Bradley has been raised as an internal option to replace the Liverpudlian, and he looks set for a run in the starting XI should he stay fit until the end of the season.

Slot added:

Conor will start on Sunday because he needs more games under his belt to prepare for next season.

“If Conor would have been available against Chelsea, he would have started against Chelsea.

“Let’s not compare him with Trent, they’re two different types. Very talented player Conor. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been fit at times this season but we have a lot of confidence in him.”

If reports are to be believed, Real Madrid are plotting the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold prior to the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, where Los Blancos would expectedly pay a small compensation to secure the services of the right-back, should Liverpool allow it.

When asked about the possibility of this happening, Slot said: “He (Alexander-Arnold) hasn’t said anything about it. He only said he is leaving the club. That’s impossible for me to count on.”

Liverpool fans’ reaction to Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure was unsurprising, with the overarching feeling being that his legacy at the club will be tarnished upon his exit, irrespective of what he has achieved at the club.

Arne Slot was further questioned on the reception that he expects Alexander-Arnold to get on Sunday.

He said: “I’m not here to tell the fans how they should react. I will see Trent in a bit and I will wait and see how he feels about (it). I’m hoping that all the energy on Sunday goes to our players.”

Ellis Statham

• Liverpool F.C.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold
• Premier League
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