Arne Slot has given an update on the injury Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday night.
While the Reds extended their Premier League lead to five points with the victory, the sight of their vice-captain limping off midway through the first half, replaced by Conor Bradley, cast a shadow over the result.
The 26-year-old appeared to be holding his hamstring as he left the pitch, leaving fans anxiously awaiting news on the severity of the injury.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Slot expressed concern that Trent had requested to come off due to pain, but stopped short of providing a definitive timeline for his potential absence.
“It’s hard to say how serious it is, but it’s always worrying when a player goes off in the first half, not because I took him off, but because he asked to leave,” Slot explained (via liverpoolfc.com).
“He didn’t ask to come off because of tiredness but because he felt something. That’s not a good sign, but it’s too early to tell exactly what it is. Let’s wait and see. I’d be surprised if he plays for England this week, but hopefully he can.”
Trent’s injury might not be as severe as initially feared. It will likely take another day or two before the extent of the issue becomes clearer, although Slot’s comments are somewhat reassuring, as he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Trent playing for England during the international break.
Liverpool fans will hope that he’s not involved with the Three Lions for the upcoming Nations League games, and the break in the club season could work in his favor.
Of course, the hope is that Trent doesn’t miss any games for Liverpool, but if he does, Bradley is a capable alternative. Fans are crossing their fingers that Trent’s injury isn’t as serious as it first appeared.
