Trent Alexander-Arnold has withdrawn from England duty after picking up a hamstring injury, according to a key update from journalist James Pearce.
The 24-year-old has made an up-and-down start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, as he adjusts to his tweaked role in Liverpool’s new system.
Two sloppy losses of possession have led to goals against both Bournemouth and Newcastle United, but there has also been plenty to admire.
On Sunday, Alexander-Arnold was magnificent in the Reds’ 3-0 win at home to Aston Villa, running the show with his passing ability and excelling in more of a midfield role when in possession.
Unfortunately, he hobbled off during the second half and went straight down the tunnel, leading to concerns over a potential lengthy absence from the team.
Alexander-Arnold was named in England’s squad for their upcoming matches against Ukraine and Scotland, but taking to Twitter, The Athletic‘s Pearce confirmed that he is now out of international duty, with a two-week spell on the sidelines possible:
“Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to be sidelined for around 2 weeks. Scan today showed damage to his hamstring is only minor. Big relief. A doubt for Wolves away after the break – but he’s a quick healer.”
Our thoughts on Alexander-Arnold’s injury update…
In truth, it is almost a blessing in disguise that Alexander-Arnold won’t be part of England’s squad, with the threat of aggravating the injury a big risk if he had stayed with his international colleagues.
The hope is that Liverpool are just being extremely cautious with the right-back, not wanting to risk making a minor fitness issue more severe, and that they are still planning for him to be available for the trip to Wolves on September 16th.
Should Alexander-Arnold miss out in that game, it will immediately have a huge impact on the way Jurgen Klopp has them playing currently, meaning Joe Gomez would likely fill in at right-back, doing a more traditional job there instead of drifting into midfield.
Liverpool’s vice-captain’s vision and ability to control matches are so key that they can’t afford him to miss much action, if any, so here’s hoping he makes a fast recovery over the next week or so.
