Trent Alexander-Arnold DROPPED by Arne Slot after right-back announces decision to leave Liverpool - with Conor Bradley stepping in to prepare for next season

Alexander-Arnold announced his departure from Liverpool last week as he nears a move to Real Madrid as a free agent. With the Reds having clinched their Premier League title a fortnight ago, their clash against second-placed Arsenal does not mean a lot, and Slot has revealed that Alexander-Arnold will not be in the starting line-up.

It is still uncertain whether Liverpool and Slot plan to sign a new right-back to cover the departure of Alexander-Arnold. However, the Dutch coach has now indicated that Bradley will be the main option heading into next season.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Slot said: "Conor will start on Sunday because he needs more games under his belt to prepare for next season. Let's not compare him with Trent, they are two different types of players.

"For me he is already there ahead of development than being at Chelsea for the first time. Unfortunately, he hasn't been fit all season but to become a good player you have to be fit all season but we have a lot of confidence in him as a very good full-back for Liverpool."

Arsenal will give Liverpool a guard of honour at Anfield on Sunday having failed to chase down the Reds in a one-sided Premier League title race.