Liverpool’s star defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss several crucial matches after suffering a minor knee ligament tear in the FA Cup third round clash against Arsenal. The 23-year-old, who has been instrumental for the Reds this season with his versatile role as a right-back and a midfielder, will be out for at least three weeks, according to Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders.
Lijnders confirmed the bad news ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham on Wednesday, saying: “Trent hyperextended his knee during the last game [against Arsenal]. 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.”
The injury means that Alexander-Arnold will miss both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham, as well as Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth round tie against either Norwich or Bristol Rovers. He will also be unavailable for the Premier League trip to Bournemouth, where Liverpool will look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Lijnders expressed his hope that Alexander-Arnold will return to his best form soon, praising his contribution to the team this season. “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,” he said.
Alexander-Arnold has been one of the standout performers for Liverpool this season, scoring four goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. He has also shown his adaptability by playing in different positions, sometimes dropping into midfield to create chances and dictate the tempo. His absence will be a big blow for Liverpool, who will have to rely on other players to fill the gap.
Liverpool will face Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday, hoping to secure a positive result ahead of the second leg at Anfield. The Reds are also in the hunt for their first Premier League title since 1990, as they lead the table by six points over second-placed Manchester City. They will resume their league campaign on Saturday, when they visit Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
