Liverpool’s preparations for their massive UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid next week have been dealt a major blow with the news that star defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is an injury doubt. The influential right-back was forced off just 25 minutes into Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa last weekend with a hamstring problem.
Alexander-Arnold’s injury came as a shock to Liverpool fans who have become accustomed to the 26-year-old being an ever-present fixture in Jürgen Klopp’s lineup. His marauding runs forward and pinpoint crosses have been a lethal weapon for the Reds, while his defensive abilities have also drastically improved in recent seasons to make him one of the world’s most complete full-backs.
Arne Slot Provides Injury Update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League game against Southampton this weekend, new manager Arne Slot provided an update on Alexander-Arnold’s condition. The Dutchman revealed that while the England international is progressing, he has yet to return to full team training.
“Trent is not training yet but he is getting there,” Slot said. “We expect him back soon.”
However, when quizzed on whether Alexander-Arnold would be available for the crunch Champions League first leg tie against Real Madrid at Anfield next Wednesday, Slot was more cautious in his assessment. The Liverpool boss acknowledged the unpredictable nature of hamstring injuries, especially in the final stages of recovery.
“That is something that we have to wait and see because I just said that the last few days of recovery is always the most tricky because they have to go from isolated training sessions to group training sessions so it’s difficult to judge.”
Will Liverpool Risk Alexander-Arnold?
The dilemma facing Slot and Liverpool’s medical team is whether it is worth the risk of rushing Alexander-Arnold back for the Madrid game if he is not 100% fit. Hamstring injuries are notoriously easy to re-aggravate if a player is brought back too soon. With the Reds also chasing a top four Premier League finish to secure Champions League qualification for next season, they can ill-afford to lose Alexander-Arnold for an extended period.
On the flip side, Alexander-Arnold’s creativity, speed and pinpoint delivery could be a key factor in breaking down what is likely to be a stubborn Real Madrid rearguard. The Spanish giants have conceded just 8 goals in 13 Champions League matches since the start of last season, with the center back partnership of David Alaba and Éder Militão proving rock solid.
Options to Replace Alexander-Arnold
If Alexander-Arnold is ruled out, Slot does have alternative options at right-back, albeit none with the all-round quality of the England star. Joe Gomez could slot in, as he did when replacing Alexander-Arnold against Villa, while James Milner offers experienced cover and Conor Bradley is a promising youngster. January signing Fábio Carvalho can also fill in on the right side of defense.
However, losing Alexander-Arnold would be a significant dent to Liverpool’s chances of gaining a positive result to take to the Bernabéu for the second leg. The academy graduate’s ability to whip crosses in from the right has been a rich source of goals for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo this season.
Klopp Knows the Importance of Alexander-Arnold
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought Alexander-Arnold into the first team as a teenager, knew exactly how crucial he was to the Reds’ system. The German coach built his attacking game plan around the right-back’s passing range and ability to get forward at every opportunity.
“Trent has a skill set that is exceptional. He has the crosses, the passes, the free-kicks, the corners, the penalties. His right foot is a real weapon.”
– Jürgen Klopp on Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2022
Klopp’s words demonstrate how highly he rated Alexander-Arnold’s technical attributes. The defender has racked up over 60 assists during his Liverpool career to date – a phenomenal tally for a player in his position. Replacing that creative output from right-back is nigh on impossible.
Final Fitness Test
Liverpool fans will be hoping Alexander-Arnold can make a speedy recovery and prove his fitness in time for the Real Madrid tie. The player himself will be desperate to feature in a match of such magnitude on the biggest stage in European club football.
Slot and the medical team will likely put Alexander-Arnold through a final fitness test early next week before making a decision on his availability. Rushing him back too soon and losing him for the rest of the season could be catastrophic. But if he can safely play, his inclusion in the starting XI could be the difference-maker against the reigning European champions.
Conclusion
The news of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury has come as a real blow to Liverpool ahead of their colossal clash with Real Madrid. The right-back is an integral part of how the Reds function in both defense and attack. Arne Slot faces the tricky task of weighing up whether to risk the defender or err on the side of caution.
One thing is for certain – every Liverpool fan around the world will have their fingers tightly crossed that Alexander-Arnold can take his place on the Anfield turf next Wednesday night. Keeping him fit could be crucial to the Reds’ chances of Champions League glory this season.
