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Arne Slot is likely to face a barrage of questions about Trent Alexander-Arnold when he addresses the media for the first time following the international break.

As Liverpool edge closer to their second Premier League title in five years, the club finds itself grappling with an unwelcome distraction: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending free transfer to Real Madrid.

The saga, which erupted into a full-blown media storm this week, has cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory period for the Reds, amplified by the vacuum of on-field action during the international break.

For a squad 12 points clear atop the Premier League, the timing could hardly be worse.

Arne Slot’s men need just 11 points from nine games to secure the title, yet questions about Alexander-Arnold’s future, as well as the other two of the ‘Contract Three’.

Alexander-Arnold’s exit, now deemed inevitable, culminates a two-year courtship by Real Madrid.

Despite Liverpool rejecting a January bid to maintain their title push, the defender’s refusal to extend his contract—set to expire June 30—left the club powerless.

A Liverpool academy product since age six, Alexander-Arnold’s 349 appearances, 22 goals, and 87 assists cemented his status as a Scouse icon.

Whether he remains a club icon after the deal is officially confirmed is another question.

But nevertheless, Slot will have to face questions on the topic in his first press conference after the international break.

And now the club’s official YouTube channel has scheduled the Merseyside derby press conference on next week Tuesday, 1 April, at 9am GMT.

While that is subjective to changes, it’s likely that the press conference will go ahead at that time.

While the timing rankles, Liverpool’s structure under Slot and sporting director Michael Edwards suggests resilience?

The Reds have thrived amid upheaval before, and the wage savings that Alexander-Arnold’s departure will grant could go towards Mohamed Salah talks.

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