The latest Liverpool news round-up includes a verdict made on Trent Alexander-Arnold's future
Trent Alexander-Arnold sitting on the bench
Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Real Madrid looks ominous(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool's chase for a record-extending 11th Carabao Cup continues with their clash against Chelsea on Wednesday. The Reds entered the top four of the Premier League table for the first time this season after defeating high-flying Brighton 2-0 at home.
The three points picked up meant Andoni Iraola's side clinched back-to-back wins, following their 2-1 victory over Brentford a week prior. The Spaniard's side have enjoyed a turnaround in form and performance in recent weeks and will hope to continue their progression against Reds icon and now Blues boss, Xabi Alonso.
In the midst of their development under the 43-year-old, they've been touted as a potential destination for their former academy graduate, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Meanwhile, Iraola has been handed a warning regarding Arne Slot's decision-making during his tenure in charge.
Trent Alexander-Arnold return verdict
Jamie Carragher revealed he'd want Trent Alexander-Arnold to make a stunning return to Liverpool. The 28-year-old has struggled to make his mark in the Spanish capital since his £10million move last summer.
He's made just three league starts this season and has dropped to third in the right-back rotation, behind Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde. His lack of playing time and the Reds' continuing absence of creativity from the right flank has led Carragher to admit he'd welcome the England star back to Anfield.
The pundit said on The Overlap: "I'd have him back. Give him plenty of stick, [because] I think he made a mistake. I think he made a big mistake. But, as I said, if something benefits Liverpool Football Club going forward.
"And when you think of the problems Liverpool have in terms of the right-back. Ronnie (Ronald Araujo) has been fantastic, but we do have a problem in terms of full-backs passing. We've definitely missed his creativity."
Iraola urged to learn from Slot
Iraola would do well to ignore the decision Slot made in Liverpool's fourth-round Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last season, according to Reds legend John Aldridge. He's been urged to resist the temptation of making wholesale changes to his line-up.
In October 2025, the Dutchman included eight teenagers, with three starting, in a much-changed squad against the Eagles, who easily beat the youthful Reds 3-0 at Anfield. Aldridge cited the strength of Chelsea's squad as a main reason why Iraola can't afford to put out a weakened line-up at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola shouting on the touchline
Andoni Iraola has been urged to learn from Arne Slot's mistakes(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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The former striker wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo: "We can’t do that with Chelsea because they’re out of Europe. They need the cup, they need it, and they will come to Anfield and play their strongest side.
"We’ve got to match them and it’s going to be tough. I’ll tell you what, it’s tough for the manager because we’ve got injuries and you want to keep the players fresh for the league and for Europe. I don’t envy the manager, but we do want a cup run and you win this game and you’re in the quarter-finals, so it’s a tough one. It really is a tough one."
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