Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton due to injury.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match at Anfield, Slot addressed speculation regarding Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid but emphasized that the right-back is currently focused on his recovery.
“His situation is unfortunately that he is injured, otherwise people would have probably spoken about him that he had one or two brilliant performances for the England team. But he’s injured and for him that means he is fully focused on his recovery and for us that means we are trying to help him to be back as soon as he can.”
Slot also touched on ongoing transfer rumors surrounding key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. He reiterated that the team remains focused on their objectives rather than external speculation.
“For the rest, of course, for eight months it went a bit up and down maybe, with all kinds of talks about him, Virgil (van Dijk) or Mo (Salah). But we have never been focused on those talks, we have always been focused on what we have to do.
“For Virgil and Mo that is trying to win the Merseyside derby, and for Trent that is making sure he is can get fit as soon as he can.”
When pressed for updates on contract negotiations involving Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah, Slot remained reserved.
“It’s a situation that is there for eight months now and all these three players have performed so well under these circumstances so it doesn’t affect me at all.”
Discussing Liverpool’s recent form, Slot acknowledged the criticism following defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle but maintained a pragmatic outlook.
“I think there was a bit of noise about us losing against Paris St-Germain and us losing against Newcastle as well. I always try to be rational. I was a bit more frustrated about the final, because I think we deserved to lose that one. For the first time we deserved to lose a football game.”
Looking ahead to the Everton clash, Slot expects a similar approach from their opponents, despite the change in atmosphere at Anfield compared to Goodison Park.
“I expect the same, but with one difference – that every time the Everton players do something well they don’t get the cheers and reactions from 50,000 people.
“But our players will get that reaction after every tackle they make and for every pass they do. That is a different emotion, but football wise I expect the same because this is what Everton have done for the last nine or 10 games now, with David Moyes in charge.
“They didn’t lose one game in the last nine Premier League games, so it would be a surprise if they are going to do something different. And we are top of the league so it would be strange if we are going to change something as well.”
Slot also provided an update on the squad’s fitness, confirming that Ryan Gravenberch and Alisson Becker are close to returning, while Conor Bradley remains under evaluation.
“Ryan Gravenberch is okay. Alisson trained with us as well. The last check later today. Conor Bradley is with us again, but he’s only had a few sessions after being out for quite long so we have to make a smart decision.”
Reflecting on the controversial decisions during Liverpool’s previous encounter with Everton, where he was shown a red card, Slot admitted he could not guarantee a different reaction if faced with a similar situation.
“I would be so surprised if I ever experienced eight minutes of so many controversial decisions at our disadvantage again. If it happens I hope I act differently, but I can’t promise. But I don’t think I am going to experience that again. But you never know, football is unpredictable.”
Liverpool currently hold a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, and Slot is focused on the final stretch of the season following their Champions League exit and Carabao Cup final loss.
“Players are looking refreshed, in my opinion.
“But it wasn’t all negative. We played a final against a very good Newcastle team and played a very good game in defeat to Paris St-Germain. We played the best game, in my opinion, but unfortunately lost on penalties.
“Now it is going to be nine finals. These games are very important for us, starting with Everton. Not only because it is the Merseyside derby but because we are in such a good position in the league.”
