Arne Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Liverpool’s crucial EFL Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham on Thursday.
The Reds’ vice-captain was forced off in the 2-0 win away to Bournemouth last weekend, with the 26-year-old suffering a thigh issue.
While the injury isn’t expected to be anything serious, there has been major doubt about Alexander-Arnold being available for Thursday’s visit of Spurs, as Liverpool looks to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the second leg at Anfield.
Speaking to reporters, Slot said that his star right-back is out of the game, but stressed that he will be back in the fold sooner rather than later.
“He is going to miss the game tomorrow, and then we have to see if he is able to play on Sunday, but what we do know is that he is not available for tomorrow,” Slot said.
“You saw that he left the pitch with a bit of pain in his leg, that’s why he misses the game tomorrow. But he’s already on the pitch, not with the team, but with the rehab coach. Let’s see how long it will take, but he’s not going to be available tomorrow.”
A chance for Bradley to shine
Not having a player of Alexander-Arnold’s calibre in a game of such magnitude is an obvious blow for Liverpool, with his world-class passing and delivery from out wide unrivalled in his position.
That said, in Conor Bradley, Liverpool have a brilliant backup option at right-back, with the Northern Irishman an impressive footballer in his own right.
The 21-year-old has now racked up 46 appearances for the Reds, proving to be a genuinely reliable squad option, and he will be desperate to prove his worth to Slot.
There is every chance that Alexander-Arnold won’t be risked away to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, too, meaning Bradley will likely start back-to-back matches.
Hopefully, Alexander-Arnold is back for the massive trip to Everton in the Premier League next Wednesday, though, in a game that feels so pivotal in the title race, as they look to pull nine points clear of Arsenal.
