Liverpool handed Trent Alexander-Arnold boost after Virgil van Dijk contract demand

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been sidelined with an ankle injury for over a month during a turbulent time behind the scenes, with his future at Liverpool yet to be announced

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.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, took part in some of the session with Arne Slot ’s side but not the full workout as they prepare to travel to Leicester on Sunday. The England international has been out since he picked up the injury against Paris Saint-Germain last month in the Reds’ Champions League exit and has missed four games.

Liverpool medical staff will continue to monitor his recovery and slowly build his workload. Slot is expected to give an update on the fitness of Alexander-Arnold on Friday but a trip to the King Power Stadium may be too soon for the defender.

His absence through injury has come at a crucial time for Alexander-Arnold, who is yet to announce his decision ahead of his current contract expiring at the end of June.

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Alexander-Arnold was part of a key trio of out-of-contract stars, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, but now stands alone as the only one not to commit to the club.

Salah’s two-year contract extension was announced on Friday, while Van Dijk will follow suit in the coming days, leaving Alexander-Arnold as the odd one out amid a rumoured move to Real Madrid. Ahead of his own announcement, Reds captain Van Dijk has made it clear that he expects the club to strengthen in the summer transfer window.

“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer,” he said after scoring the winner against West Ham on Sunday. “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. I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years.”

Liverpool can win the Premier League this weekend if Arsenal lose at Ipswich and they then beat Leicester. But the more likely scenario would be the Reds winning this weekend and then beating Tottenham on Sunday, April 27 to clinch the title.

Alexander-Arnold is obviously subject to interest from Real Madrid and is out of contract this summer but his return to fitness means he will be available for selection before his deal runs out, providing a potential farewell period for the academy graduate.

Darwin Nunez missed last week’s 2-1 win over West Ham with illness but he trained on Wednesday, which should mean he’s fit for Sunday.

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