Image Credit: Peter Byrne/PAAlexander-Arnold's Injury Less Severe; Two Weeks Recovery Expected
Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury turns out to be less severe than feared, with a low-grade hamstring strain expected to sideline him for just two weeks, giving Liverpool hope for a swift return in a busy schedule.
Liverpool has received uplifting news regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hamstring injury, which is not as serious as initially feared. The 25-year-old right-back had to exit the pitch during the first half of Saturday's 3-1 win against Aston Villa, raising worries about a possible long-term issue. However, following scans, it has been confirmed that he is dealing with a low-grade hamstring strain, and is expected to be out of action for only two weeks.
The initial indications of the issue were evident when Alexander-Arnold communicated to the bench in the 25th minute that he needed to be substituted, a choice that may have helped minimize the injury's impact. Although the injury is not deemed serious, it arrives at a difficult time for both the player and the club, with a hectic schedule of matches approaching.
The timing of his comeback is expected to be crucial for Liverpool's upcoming matches. As the Premier League leaders prepare to continue their campaign against Southampton on November 24, there is a possibility that Alexander-Arnold could be ready for that game. Nevertheless, head coach Arne Slot might decide to allow the defender some extra time to recover, especially with two important fixtures approaching.
Liverpool's upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid is scheduled just days after their game with Southampton, followed by a significant Premier League showdown against title contenders Manchester City at Anfield. Considering the importance of these matches, Slot may decide to start Conor Bradley as the right-back against Southampton, allowing Alexander-Arnold additional time to recover before moving back into action for the more challenging fixtures.
Regrettably, Alexander-Arnold will be unavailable for England's forthcoming Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland due to his injury. This is disappointing news for both his club and the national team; however, Liverpool can take comfort in knowing the situation is not as severe as it could have been. The speed of his recovery will be essential for him to regain full fitness as the season enters its critical stages.
