Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will be withdrawn from England for the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland and will also remain a doubt for the upcoming club games after the international break.
Alexander-Arnold was forced off just 25 minutes into Liverpool’s Premier League win over Aston Villa at the weekend with what appeared to be a hamstring strain.
He was replaced by Conor Bradley and the Reds, already leading 1-0, won 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.
The Times points out that Alexander-Arnold was already playing through pain from the strain he suffered while on England duty last month, with Liverpool not prepared to take any more risks. He is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks, immediately ruling him out of November’s internationals and casting doubt on his involvement when Liverpool return to action against Southampton.
The Reds also have blockbuster matches against Real Madrid in the Champions League (November 27) and Manchester City in the Premier League (December 1) to the following week. Even if Alexander-Arnold has recovered by then, his 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 used in midfield by England boss Gareth Southgate, but eventually fell. However, he has made a strong start to the new campaign, starting every league and European game at right-back, and Liverpool have won 14 of those 15 tests.
But there is also a cloud over Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in June, amid growing speculation about a possible free transfer to Real Madrid.
Reports in Spain have already begun claiming that he is interested in this movewhile Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expressed concern about his intentions due to a publicly stated desire to win the Ballon d’Or.
