Liverpool learn extent of Trent Alexander-Arnold hamstring injury
- Trent Alexander-Arnold played only 25 minutes of weekend fixture
- Liverpool defender suffered hamstring injury during Aston Villa win
- Set to withdraw from England's squad for this month's internationals
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to withdraw from the England for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland and will remain a doubt for upcoming club games after the international break as well.
Alexander-Arnold was forced off just 25 minutes into Liverpool's Premier League victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, experiencing what appeared to be hamstring discomfort.
He was replaced by Conor Bradley and the Reds, already leading 1-0, went on to secure a 2-0 win to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.
The Times notes that Alexander-Arnold was already playing through pain due to niggling strain suffered while on England duty last month, with Liverpool not prepared to take more risks. He is expected to be out for a couple of weeks, immediately ruling him out of the November internationals and putting doubts on his involvement when Liverpool return to action against Southampton.
The Reds also have blockbuster fixtures against Real Madrid in the Champions League (27 November) and Manchester City in the Premier League (1 December) in the week that follows. Even if Alexander-Arnold has recovered by then, his match fitness may have taken a hit.
The 26-year-old struggled with knee and hamstring injuries last season, before a disappointing Euro 2024 saw him utilised in midfield by England manager Gareth Southgate but ultimately dropped. However, it has been a fine start to the new campaign, starting every league and European game at right-back, and Liverpool winning 14 of those 15 tests.
But there also remains a cloud hanging over Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is due to expire in June, amid growing speculation about a possible free transfer to Real Madrid.
Reports in Spain have already started claiming that he is interested in such a move, while Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expressed concern about his intentions due to a publicly stated desire to win the Ballon d'Or.
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