Alexander-Arnold Could be Left Out of Squad Because of Gomez’s Return

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·11 May 2025

Alexander-Arnold Could be Left Out of Squad Because of Gomez’s Return

Alexander-Arnold Faces Uncertain Liverpool Future

Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be on the periphery at Liverpool, with signs suggesting he may be gradually phased out ahead of his expected summer move to Real Madrid. The England international has opted not to renew his contract at Anfield and is set to depart on a free transfer. A five-year deal with the Spanish giants is believed to be agreed in principle.

The long-running saga surrounding his future was finally clarified on Monday, bringing to an end months of speculation. In a move that signals a shift in Liverpool’s right-back hierarchy, manager Arne Slot confirmed that Conor Bradley will start against Arsenal this weekend, citing the need to prepare younger players for the season ahead.

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Gomez Return Compounds Alexander-Arnold’s Selection Dilemma

Alexander-Arnold’s marginalisation may have intensified following Joe Gomez’s return to full training. The versatile defender has been absent for over three months with a hamstring issue that required surgery. His recovery, confirmed on Friday, places him in contention for matchday squads during Liverpool’s final Premier League fixtures.

Photo: IMAGO

“The defender needed surgery, which cast doubt over his chances of playing again before the end of the campaign. However, his return to the training pitch suggests that he could feature for the Reds in the closing stages of the season.”

Bradley, who has impressed during Alexander-Arnold’s absence, is tipped to retain his starting role in Liverpool’s remaining matches. Gomez, with his experience and defensive reliability, is likely to be named as backup. As a result, Alexander-Arnold may find himself surplus to requirements — an unexpected end for a player who has defined the club’s attacking style from the back in recent years.

Slot Lays Foundation for Post-Alexander-Arnold Era

Arne Slot was candid when discussing the departure in his press conference. His remarks suggested a pragmatic approach to succession, echoing the cycle he encountered at previous clubs.

“I think, like everybody who likes Liverpool and who is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed for him leaving. Not only is a good human being leaving the club but a very, very good full-back is leaving us as well.

“I also worked at clubs, like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where every season a very good or multiple very good players have left the club. So, I’m a bit more used to it maybe that players [are] leaving the club. The experience I have [is] that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up, and that’s probably what’s going to happen now again as well.”

Slot’s comments underline his intent to shape a team fit for the future — one that prioritises youth, cohesion, and evolution over sentiment.

Bradley’s Opportunity as Gomez Eyes Bench Role

As Liverpool prepare to crown a successful domestic campaign, Alexander-Arnold’s role in the final weeks could be largely symbolic. He is expected to participate in celebrations should the Reds lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield following their clash with Crystal Palace. But with Bradley ahead of him and Gomez fit again, his on-pitch involvement may be limited.

Bradley, meanwhile, will view these matches as a springboard into next season. Slot’s faith in the Northern Irishman suggests that the baton has already been passed — with Gomez now offering additional security in rotation.

This changing of the guard could mark the end of an era for one of Liverpool’s most influential academy graduates. While Alexander-Arnold’s contribution to the club will remain etched in memory, his final chapter at Anfield may be played out from the sidelines.