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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed growing concerns over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness ahead of the Reds’ clash with Fulham, amid swirling reports linking the defender to Real Madrid. The 26-year-old, sidelined since March with an ankle injury sustained in Liverpool’s Champions League exit to PSG, remains in a race against time to return.
With his contract expiring this summer and advanced talks rumored with Real Madrid, fans are left wondering: Will Alexander-Arnold play any part in Liverpool’s Premier League title charge?
Injury sidelines Trent Alexander-Arnold amid transfer buzz
Slot confirmed the right-back is “fully focused” on rehabilitation but stopped short of offering optimism for his availability against Fulham.
“His situation is that unfortunately he is injured. Otherwise, people would’ve spoken about him having brilliant performances for England,” Slot told reporters, referencing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s withdrawal from international duty. “For him, it’s about recovery, and for us, it’s about helping him return as early as possible.”
The update dashes hopes of a swift comeback, signaling Alexander-Arnold will miss the game as he prioritizes long-term fitness. His absence compounds Liverpool’s challenges, with the defender’s future also clouded by speculation.
BBC Sport reports advanced negotiations between Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold’s camp over a free transfer, though Slot dismissed distractions:
“These players have performed well under these circumstances. It doesn’t affect me at all.”
Contract clouds over Anfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only star facing uncertainty. Captain Virgil van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah also approach contract deadlines without extensions. Van Dijk admitted having “no idea” about his future in March, while Salah called negotiations “far away” in January. Slot, however, remains unshaken:
“This situation has been there for eight or nine months. Their professionalism hasn’t wavered.”
Title charge marches on
Despite off-field drama, Liverpool dominate the Premier League, sitting 12 points clear with nine games left. Slot’s squad faces Fulham with confidence, though Alexander-Arnold’s creativity from the flank will be sorely missed. Conor Bradley or Joe Gomez are likely to deputize, leveraging depth that’s propelled the Reds’ relentless campaign.
For Trent Alexander-Arnold, recovery takes precedence. A summer move to Madrid could redefine his career, but Liverpool’s immediate focus is sealing their 20th league title. As Slot quipped, “Injuries are part of football. We adapt.” Adaptation, indeed, has been Liverpool’s mantra this season—one they’ll rely on once more at Craven Cottage.
