Liverpool have seen updates on the injury and transfer fronts during the international break with Arne Slot focused on bringing Premier League success to Anfield in the coming weeks
The international break is just about halfway done, and Liverpool boss Arne Slot will have his mind firmly focused on the return of the Premier League. The Dutchman has been without his squad, and has the task of facing Everton in the Merseyside derby when domestic football returns.
The Reds entered the break off the back of defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle that have ensured the Premier League now remains the club’s only avenue for success. Nine games remain in the division to convert their healthy 12 point lead into a 20th domestic crown to mark Slot’s debut season in style.
Slot has already seen an addition to his injury concerns in the shape of Ryan Gravenberch, who has pulled out of the Netherlands squad. He will be hoping for a clean bill of health between now and next weekend.
Here, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news from in and around Anfield…
READ MORE: Mo Salah Liverpool contract latest, Reds’ ‘poor’ approach, Saudi shirt and Arne Slot viewREAD MORE: Liverpool must face simple truth as stars make decisions on leaving this summer
Alexander-Arnold rejects offer
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future remains up in the air as his Liverpool contract ticks down until the end of the season. Real Madrid remains a potential destination after the Reds knocked back offers in January about another Spanish giant are said to have tried their chance.
Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona have sounded out the Liverpool vice-captain ahead of him becoming available for free in the summer but were knocked back. The full-back’s mind is said to be firmly on making the move to Madrid. Alexander-Arnold is already said to know his salary and that a long-term contract awaits at the Bernabeu. The free transfer is all but done it is claimed.
Injury worry
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has withdrawn from the Brazil squad after a sickening clash of heads during the match against Colombia. The shot-stopper collided with former Spurs star Davinson Sanchez during a World Cup qualifying match on Thursday.
Alisson was substituted in the 78th minute and Liverpool have confirmed that their play will fly back to Merseyside. A statement from the club on Friday read: “Alisson Becker has departed the Brazil national team set-up and will return to Liverpool. The goalkeeper was forced off in the second half of his nation’s World Cup qualifier with Colombia in the early hours of Friday following a collision. Alisson is travelling back to Merseyside and will undergo assessment from the Reds’ medical staff.”
Liverpool warning
Giorgi Mamardashvili has his eye on becoming Liverpool No.1 when he arrives at the club in the summer. The Georgian goalkeeper completed a transfer to Anfield in August, but remain on loan at Valencia rather than joining up with Slot and co.
“I am going to Liverpool to fight for the number one spot,” he told Geo Team after Georgia’s 3-0 victory over Armenia on Thursday. “I will go there to train at my best and I don’t know what they will decide afterward. I don’t decide who plays and who doesn’t.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
