Liverpool gets Trent Alexander-Arnold injury update ahead of second leg with Tottenham
Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has seemingly avoided any serious injury. That comes after he was withdrawn against Bournemouth, clutching the top of his leg.
According to the Daily Mail, Alexander-Arnold will not miss any significant period of action. He remains a doubt for the Spurs game on Thursday, but could yet play a part there, and in any event should be fit after that.
That comes as hugely welcome news to Arne Slot, as he attempts to mastermind a trophy-laden debut season in charge. Liverpool made no additions in the January transfer market, but also avoided any significant departures, holding onto Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk as their contract situations persist.
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The next test comes in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham, where Liverpool will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit in order to progress to the first final under Slot. It is seeking to retain the trophy won in Jurgen Klopp's final season.
Should the fixture come too soon for Alexander-Arnold, then Conor Bradley can be expected to feature. He has already proved himself an able deputy this season, and will be more eager than ever to prove his worth as questions over Alexander-Arnold's long-term future continue to be asked.
After that, it's an FA Cup assignment against Plymouth. Alexander-Arnold is among a host of senior pros who would have been expected to sit that one out anyway — potentially setting a return date for the Merseyside derby on February 12.
Not missing any Premier League action at all (aside from the closing stages against Bournemouth) would certainly be a welcome prognosis. There were fears of a far worse outcome when Alexander-Arnold limped off.
But as it is, it seems the 26-year-old will be fit to play a significant part in the run-in. That, of course, was Liverpool's hope when it flatly rejected overtures from Real Madrid, insisting on keeping its star full-back for at least another six months.
The hope at Anfield is still that the Academy graduate will sign a new deal between now and then, committing his future to the club that has made him a star. Even putting all sentiment aside, Liverpool is showcasing itself as one of the very best teams around this season; it is hardly a club you would want to leave.
But whatever happens on that front, Alexander-Arnold will be back in a red jersey soon. That can only be a good thing in Liverpool's exciting quest for silverware.