Liverpool Star Alexander-Arnold Returns to Training Ahead of Key Title Fixtures | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold Closing in on Return as Liverpool Title Bid Intensifies

Final Phase of Rehabilitation Underway

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from an ankle injury, returning to first-team training at Kirkby this week. As reported by The Mirror, “Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has stepped up his training as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. The Reds right-back was filmed training on Wednesday with the first team, but it is understood to be the final stages of his rehabilitation.”

The 26-year-old, who has missed the last four matches following an injury sustained during Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, is edging closer to match fitness. While he only completed part of Wednesday’s session, his gradual reintegration into Arne Slot’s squad comes at a pivotal moment in the season.

Leicester May Come Too Soon

Liverpool face Leicester City this weekend at the King Power Stadium in a match that could move them within touching distance of the Premier League title. However, despite his return to training, it’s understood that Sunday’s fixture may come too soon for Alexander-Arnold. The club’s medical team will continue to monitor his recovery, carefully managing his workload with Slot expected to give an update on Friday.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot and his staff are mindful not to rush the vice-captain back into action, especially with the decisive clash against Tottenham Hotspur looming on April 27. A full return for that fixture appears more likely, offering a potentially symbolic moment for the academy graduate should it also prove to be his farewell.

Contract Uncertainty Hangs Over Return

As Alexander-Arnold edges back toward full fitness, questions around his long-term future remain. His current contract expires at the end of June, and unlike fellow stalwarts Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk—who have both now committed their futures—Alexander-Arnold has yet to declare his intentions.

Salah’s two-year extension was confirmed last week, and The Mirror reports Van Dijk will follow shortly. That leaves Alexander-Arnold “as the odd one out amid a rumoured move to Real Madrid.” Should he depart, these final weeks could serve as a fitting farewell for a player who has been integral to Liverpool’s resurgence over the past decade.

Eyes on the Title and Summer Overhaul

Amid the speculation, Liverpool remain focused on the here and now. They can be crowned champions this weekend if results go their way—specifically if Arsenal slip up at Ipswich and Liverpool secure victory at Leicester. Realistically, attention will turn to the Tottenham match on April 27 as a potential title decider.

Photo IMAGO

Van Dijk, speaking after scoring the winner against West Ham last weekend, has already called for ambition this summer: “Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer. I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board, as a Liverpool-connected fan, to do the right job.”

Alongside Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez has also resumed training after missing the West Ham match through illness, providing Slot with another boost ahead of a vital run-in.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold back on the training pitch is more than just an injury update—it’s a reminder of the club’s heart and soul. Whether he stays or leaves this summer, the Scouser’s influence cannot be overstated.

His absence was felt, not just for his pinpoint passing or overlapping runs, but for his leadership and emotional connection with the fanbase. With Salah and Van Dijk signing on, it’s hard not to feel anxious about Trent’s silence. That said, fans understand his desire to assess his options—he’s earned that right.

If these next few games are to be his last in a red shirt, there’s hope they’ll be crowned with silverware. A home title celebration, with Alexander-Arnold on the pitch, would be a fitting curtain call if this chapter is indeed closing.

Yet there’s still belief that this story isn’t over. Perhaps there’s one more twist, one more signature. Until then, Liverpool fans will sing his name louder than ever—because he’s one of our own.