Trent Alexander-Arnold will receive a warm welcome from Liverpool manager Arne Slott when he returns to Anfield with Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Alexander-Arnold spent 10 years with Liverpool after graduating from the academy, winning two Premier Leagues and the Champions League, but was booed by angry Reds fans when he announced he was leaving his hometown club in May.
Alexander-Arnold has been confirmed for an early return to Liverpool due to the Champions League draw. Arnold says he will love the club forever and has mixed feelings about the next game.
Slott added on Monday that he was prepared for any reaction from the Liverpool crowd, but did not guarantee anything other than his love for one of the star players of the manager’s first season.
“I have great memories of the player and the person… so he will be warmly welcomed by me,” Slott said.
Following Alexander-Arnold’s jeers during Arsenal’s visit last May, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp turned off the television and said: “I couldn’t have been more disappointed.”
Further public outcry has prompted Liverpool fans to cool off for the remaining home games, but Slott was unsure what kind of reception the England international would receive from the crowd this time around.
“First of all, let’s see if he’s going to be on the field tomorrow,” Slott said. “I don’t know how it will turn out, but I’m sure he will be warmly welcomed by me.”
Slott has confirmed that Alexander Isak will be unavailable for the match due to a groin injury and is doubtful for Sunday’s game against Manchester City.
“He’s definitely going to start on Sunday, but he could probably be in the squad,” he said. “He hasn’t trained with the team yet.”
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