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Liverpool are finally back in action on Sunday after what has felt like a very long week at the club.

Out of European competition back in March, the Reds have slowly been playing out their final matches of the Premier League campaign as champions.

While the feel-good factor around Anfield has been tangible, the bubble was burst ever so slightly on Sunday after defeat against Chelsea.

On Monday, the mood darkened further when Trent Alexander-Arnold announced that he would be leaving Liverpool once the season ends.

While pundits such as Michael Owen have come out in defence of Alexander-Arnold, most Liverpool fans do not feel the same.

For Arne Slot, he must now make the decision of whether to use his main right-back for the remaining three games of the season.

However, the 21-year-old was injured again meaning Alexander-Arnold took his place at right-back.

The Liverpool head coach then went further, suggesting Bradley will play the remaining fixtures in order to be better prepared for next season.

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However, given that he has been injury prone of late, it’s probable that Slot will want to protect Bradley by substituting him during second-halves of matches.

This could open the door for Alexander-Arnold to come on, and could invite a seriously strong reaction from the Anfield crowd.

READ MORE: Leading contender named in Liverpool’s new right-back hunt as Reds prepare for Trent Alexander-Arnold exit

But after Joe Gomez was spotted in training on Friday, Slot now has another option he can use instead of the No.

In the likely event that Bradley is taken off early, the 27-year-old could ably step in to get much-needed minutes on the board for himself and remove the Alexander-Arnold factor completely.

With Bradley and Gomez locking down the right of Liverpool’s defence, there is no need for Slot to include Alexander-Arnold in any of the three remaining matchday squads.

To some outside the club, that may seem petty and unnecessary.

But Slot has no obligation to give Alexander-Arnold the send-off he thinks he deserves.

As Liverpool boss, his main remit is to do what is best for the team.

But with nothing but pride riding on the games, the focus should be on how best to plan for next season.

With Bradley expected to step up in 2025/26, the Northern Irishman should get priority.
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