Liverpool’s heartbreaking Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night was made even worse by Trent Alexander-Arnold suffering an injury.
The Reds’ vice-captain was visibly in pain after rolling his ankle in the second half at Anfield and was forced off in the 73rd minute, with Jarell Quansah coming on as his replacement.
After the match, Arne Slot admitted he would be “surprised” if the 26-year-old recovered in time for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. That possibility has now been completely ruled out.
How long will Trent be out?
Shane Ryan, an advanced practice physiotherapist and director of Motherwell Physio, analyzed the injury and suggested that, in the best-case scenario, the England international could return by late April.
Speaking via motherwell.physio on TikTok, Ryan explained:
“The way his foot caught on the ground looked nasty. This type of injury is common in high ankle sprains, which involve tearing the ligaments higher up in the ankle—specifically, the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL).
Unlike regular ankle sprains, these take longer to heal. Typically, recovery takes six to eight weeks, but it can be longer depending on any additional damage.
Hopefully, it’s no worse than that, as more severe cases can lead to fractures and long-term instability.”*
Will Trent return before the season ends?
If Ryan’s assessment is correct, Alexander-Arnold should return before the end of the season. That comes as a relief, especially considering speculation about his future—an extended layoff could have meant he had already played his last game for Liverpool if he doesn’t sign a contract extension.
Unfortunately, this injury means he will miss a second consecutive Carabao Cup final. With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Quansah is expected to start at right-back against Newcastle at Wembley. While not ideal, the young defender performed well in that role after coming on against PSG.
One positive is Liverpool’s schedule—after Sunday’s final, they won’t play again for 17 days. According to projections from Premier Injuries, this break could allow Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley enough time to recover for the Merseyside derby on April 2.
Slot is expected to provide an update on Trent’s injury in his pre-final press conference, but any response will likely align with Ryan’s expert prognosis.
