In a major boost for Liverpool’s Premier League title aspirations, star right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to make his eagerly-anticipated return from injury in the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.
The 24-year-old England international, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier attacking full-backs, has been sidelined since picking up a thigh strain in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Bournemouth last week. His absence was keenly felt in Liverpool’s shock FA Cup fourth round exit at the hands of League One side Plymouth Argyle on Sunday.
However, in his pre-match press conference ahead of the hotly-anticipated clash with bitter rivals Everton, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot delivered a positive update on Alexander-Arnold’s fitness status:
“Trent did part of a training session with us yesterday so let’s see how he is today. He will hopefully train with us again and then we’ll decide whether we take him to the game.”
Arne Slot, Liverpool Head Coach
A Timely Boost for the Title Chase
Alexander-Arnold’s potential return comes at a crucial juncture for Liverpool, who currently sit atop the Premier League table with a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. A victory in the derby would see the Reds open up a commanding nine-point gap, albeit having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Merseyside-born defender’s creativity and set-piece prowess have been integral to Liverpool’s success in recent seasons, with his pinpoint crosses and long-range passing providing a constant supply line for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo. In Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Liverpool have looked noticeably less potent going forward.
A Historic Occasion at Goodison
Wednesday’s clash will mark the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, with Everton set to move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of the 2024-25 season. The venerable ground has played host to this fixture since 1892, with the two sides having met there on 242 occasions across all competitions.
Slot acknowledged the added significance of the occasion, but insisted his side would need to be fully focused on securing a positive result:
“It’s probably going to be a fantastic atmosphere and that’s never easy to play against. Every single time they cross the halfway line or they get a corner kick, the fans will cheer for them and you have to be really mentally strong as the away team to focus on what you have to do.”
Arne Slot, Liverpool Head Coach
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
While Alexander-Arnold’s likely return will come as a major fillip for Liverpool, they will still be without the services of several key players for the short trip across Stanley Park. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, center-back Ibrahima Konaté, and midfielders Thiago Alcântara and Naby Keïta all remain sidelined through injury.
Everton, meanwhile, have injury problems of their own to contend with. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and midfielder James Garner are both ruled out, while center-back Conor Coady is ineligible to face his parent club as per the terms of his loan deal from Liverpool.
The Verdict
Despite their recent wobble in the FA Cup, Liverpool will go into the derby as heavy favorites to complete a Premier League double over their struggling neighbors. Everton have won just one of their last 14 top-flight matches and currently sit joint-bottom of the table alongside Southampton.
However, as Slot alluded to, the unique atmosphere of a Merseyside derby can often be a great leveler, particularly with Goodison Park hosting its final installment of this storied fixture. If Alexander-Arnold is indeed passed fit to play, his presence could prove the difference in unlocking a stubborn Everton rearguard.
One thing is for certain: with local bragging rights, Premier League survival, and title aspirations all on the line, this promises to be a Merseyside derby for the ages. Strap yourselves in.
