Trent Alexander-Arnold’s style of play in recent times has made him pretty much irreplaceable. News, therefore, that he could be out for “a few weeks” comes as a major blow for Liverpool.
During his press conference to preview the side’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham, assistant manager Pep Lijnders announced on Tuesday that the vice-captain is set for a spell on the sidelines after an injury picked up during Sunday’s FA Cup win over Arsenal.
“First of all, some not-that-good news,” Lijnders said. “Trent hyperextended his knee during the last game.”
The Dutchman revealed the full-back had “a little tear in the lateral ligament of his knee and he will need time to recover”.
Jurgen Klopp’s second-in-command then went on to describe what a loss the Scouser would be to the side.
“He will get some rest and then hopefully he can come back to where he was,” he said.
“This guy was decisive in all the games and was the one who created constantly for us from deep and gave the team a high level of flexibility. We will really miss him.”
With Liverpool still in all four competitions, there really isn’t a good time to be missing from action.
That said, following the game against Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday, the Reds have an 11-day break before resuming Premier League action against Bournemouth on 21 January.
However, the games come thick and fast once again, with the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final coming on 24 January, just three days before the FA Cup fourth-round tie against either Norwich or Bristol Rovers on 27 January.
Four days later, Chelsea come to Anfield in the league on 31 January. This would take the 25-year-old’s absence up to three weeks.
Liverpool will be hoping that’s long enough for a complete recovery with Klopp’s side due to face Arsenal again at the Emirates on 4 February in what could be a key battle in the title race.
Upcoming Liverpool Fixtures:
10 January – Fulham (H) – Carabao Cup
21 January – Bournemouth (A) – Premier League
24 January – Fulham (A) – Carabao Cup
27 January – Norwich / Bristol Rovers (H) – FA Cup
31 January – Chelsea (H) – Premier League
4 February – Arsenal (A) – Premier League
