Liverpool suffer a massive blow as vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold can miss “few weeks”, according to assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders
Liverpool assistant manager Pepijin Lijnders confirms that vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold can miss a “few weeks” due to a knee injury. Trent played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round.
The 24-year-old has been the main creative outlet for the Reds this season as they have enjoyed success so far. Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table and have successfully progressed in every competition.
Trent’s loss is a massive blow for the Reds and it is at the worst timing possible. Liverpool are currently without their leading goal scorer Mohamed Salah and defensive midfielder Wataru Endo. Both players are serving their respective nations in the AFCON competition and the Asian Cup.
Furthermore, Liverpool are without their specialist left-backs with both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas injured. Trent’s right-back deputy Joe Gomez has played as a make-shift right-back in recent games.
The Reds have also lost Joel Matip to a season-ending injury, shortening their options in the defence. Thiago Alcantara and Stefen Bajcetic are also long-term absentees, expected to return in February.
Lijnders told Liverpoolfc.com that Trent hyperextended his knee during the FA Cup victory over Arsenal and needs time to recover. He said:
“First of all, some not-that-good news, Trent hyperextended his knee during the last game. So he has a little tear in the lateral ligament of his knee and he will need time to recover. He had a scan and he will be out for a few weeks, so let’s see after that. He will get some rest and then hopefully he can come back to where he was. Because this guy was decisive in all the games and was the one who created constantly for us from deep and gave the team a high level of flexibility. We will really miss him.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be sidelined for 'a few weeks' due to a knee injury, assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has confirmed
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 9, 2024
Trent has been a pivotal game-changer for the Reds this season, actively participating in every offensive play from the deep. The 24-year-old has played as an inverted right-back and as a number six in midfield to dominate possession.
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Without a proper number six and with diminishing numbers in the defensive ranks, things cannot go any worse than this. Liverpool’s current position in the Premier League is not solidified as only six points separate the top five clubs. We hope Trent makes a swift recovery as soon as possible but at the same time we cannot afford to rush him. Manager Jurgen Klopp has a massive selection headache awaiting him with the absence of Trent in the coming weeks.
