_Agata_Gładykowska_Alamy.jpg?#)
Trent Alexander-Arnold injury not serious as ‘realistic return date’ set
There was concern for Alexander-Arnold at the weekend.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has avoided serious injury after suffering a scare in Liverpool’s win at Bournemouth, but may well still miss the next two matches.
The 26-year-old was forced off during the 2-0 win over the Cherries, replaced by Conor Bradley on 70 minutes.
He appeared to be holding his thigh, which sparked worry that the England international had suffered a hamstring injury.
The Daily Mail report that scans have been done and revealed that no serious damage has been suffered.
The report states that the issue is only going to keep Alexander-Arnold out for a matter of days, but he is unlikely to be risked against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Thursday or Plymouth in the FA Cup on Sunday.
With Bradley a very able deputy, Reds boss Arne Slot is unlikely to risk Alexander-Arnold suffering a more serious hamstring problem by throwing him back in too early.
The rearranged Premier League clash with Everton next Wednesday (12 February) has been identified as his most likely next game.
The lack of a serious injury is obviously good news for Liverpool, but the star full-back will miss a huge game with Tottenham this week.
The Reds lost the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final 1-0 in north London so have work to do to turn the tie around and reach the Wembley final.
Top of the Premier League and into the Champions League last 16, Slot has bigger fish to fry than the Carabao Cup, but he would love to get a trophy on the board at the very first opportunity as Liverpool manager.
Competing on four fronts means it is a packed schedule ahead for the Reds, facing six more matches before the end of the month.
Following the very short trip to Everton, Slot’s side face Wolves, Manchester City and Newcastle in the Premier League before February is at an end.
The Dutchman will be hoping Alexander-Arnold misses as little of that as possible, while Joe Gomez is his only other injury headache but he is expected back soon after returning to training.
