Liverpool were forced into a change early on in their Premier League match against Aston Villa with manager Arne Slot left sweating on the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool suffered a blow less than half an hour into their Premier League match against Aston Villa, with Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off with an injury.
The England right-back was clearly in trouble midway through the first half. Liverpool took no chances with the defender, who left the field to be replaced by Conor Bradley.
Alexander-Arnold was named in Lee Carsley’s England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League double-header. Both club and country will wait to see the extent of the issue.
Reds boss Arne Slot was already without several senior stars before kick-off. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson and striker Diogo Jota are also on the sidelines, while Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott have been out of action themselves.
Liverpool got their noses in front against Villa not long before the injury. Mohamed Salah was knocked to the ground by Leon Bailey as he raced through on goal, but referee David Coote waved play on before Darwin Nunez rounded goalkeeper Emi Martinez and found the net.
Nunez had a golden chance to add to his tally before the break, getting one-on-one with Martinez. The Uruguayan couldn’t take advantage, though, putting his effort over the bar.
Villa almost made Nunez and Liverpool pay for that missed chance towards the end of the first half. Caoimhin Kelleher produced two big saves in quick succession, and then got a let-off after leaving a deep cross and almost getting caught out by Lucas Digne arriving late at the back post, while Villa ended the half with an injury worry of their own as Jacob Ramsey left the field holding his hamstring.
How big a miss might Trent Alexander-Arnold be for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section
Alexander-Arnold is one of three Liverpool players out of contract at the end of the season, along with Virgil van Dijk and Salah. Speaking to the media before the Villa game, Slot explained his role in the club’s discussions with the players.
“It would be strange if I had no input,” Slot said. “Sometimes being head coach is convenient. Contract situations are talked about by people who need to talk about it. I speak about it with Richard [sporting director Richard Hughes] and not in front of you guys with a microphone.”
Going into Saturday’s match, Slot knew his team would go five points clear with a win. Rivals Manchester City were unable to put the pressure on in the 5.30pm kick-off, taking a half-time lead against Brighton but losing 2-1.
Erling Haaland put the reigning champions in front, and they still had a one goal lead entering the final 15 minutes. They got caught cold by a one-two punch from the Seagulls, though, with Joao Pedro equalsiing and fellow substtute Matt O’Riley completing the turnaround.
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