Trent Alexander-Arnold stance on Liverpool injury ahead of crucial run for Arne Slot

Trent Alexander-Arnold has handed Liverpool a new injury scare, although the right-back has reportedly allayed fears of a lengthy absence.

The Reds vice-captain was forced off during the first half of Saturday’s win over Aston Villa as Liverpool extended its lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. Alexander-Arnold seemed to indicate to Arne Slot that he had a problem with his hamstring before making his way down the tunnel.

He was spotted watching on from the sidelines during the second half, although Liverpool’s head coach gave a less-than-encouraging update at full-time.

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"It's difficult to say how serious it is, but it’s always serious if a player goes out in the first half," Slot said. "Not because I didn't like him, but because he asked for it himself. He didn’t ask for it because he was tired, he asked for it because he felt something.

"That's first of all not a good sign, but it is always difficult so close after the game to tell you exactly what it is. Let’s wait and see. I would be surprised if we will see him playing for the England national team this week, but hopefully he can."

The latest indication though is that Alexander-Arnold’s injury might not be as serious as Slot suggested. According to The Athletic, the defender is confident that he won’t face a lengthy spell out of action.

Liverpool is yet to receive the results of the 26-year-old’s scan, but they are said to be hopeful that the prompt substitution will have limited the damage done to the hamstring. It’s also claimed that he has been playing with painkilling injections after suffering a side strain while on England duty last month.

Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold looks set to miss out on the Three Lions’ Nations League games over the next seven days, having originally been named in Lee Carsley’s squad to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Slot will hope to have him back in time for what will be a crucial set of games after the international break though.

Following their first game back against Southampton on November 24, the Reds will come up against Real Madrid in the Champions League before taking on Manchester City in the Premier League. Tricky away trips to Newcastle and Everton follow straight after as the festive period gets underway.