Trent Alexander-Arnold is optimistic that his injury won’t keep him sidelined for long after being forced off during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday, according to The Athletic.
The England international was substituted midway through the first half after feeling discomfort in his right hamstring.
Although Liverpool have yet to receive scan results, they remain hopeful that Alexander-Arnold’s early substitution limited the damage to the muscle.
Following the victory, head coach Arne Slot confirmed that he did not expect the vice-captain to be available for England’s upcoming fixtures and that he would likely be withdrawn from Lee Carsley’s squad for the Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Slot will be keen to have Alexander-Arnold back to full fitness as quickly as possible, with important fixtures approaching.
Liverpool’s next match is away at Southampton on November 24, followed by a home clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League and a key Premier League encounter against Manchester City.
The Reds will also face tough away trips to Newcastle United and Everton in the weeks that follow.
Alexander-Arnold, who has started every Premier League and Champions League match this season, has been managing a side strain sustained during England’s game against Finland last month, having been playing with painkilling injections.
With backup right-back Conor Bradley sidelined for three matches with a rib injury after representing Northern Ireland, Alexander-Arnold was determined to keep himself available for selection.
Bradley, who replaced Alexander-Arnold against Villa, has now fully recovered and is ready to step in if the injury keeps the Liverpool star out for an extended period.
Despite the injury concerns, Liverpool are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Captain Virgil van Dijk believes the team will benefit from the lessons learned during last season’s title challenge, which faltered in the final stages.
“We should have learned from last year,” he said.
“If you don’t learn then it doesn’t bring you any further.
“We’re only in November but I see us dealing with difficult moments pretty well.
“We had a couple of games where we bounced back after going behind. The mentality of the boys to turn it around was amazing.
“Maybe towards the end of a season the pressure is higher.
“Then everyone has to step up. I can’t predict how the last part of the season will go. But so far, so good.
“I just want to enjoy it.
“All of us are privileged and blessed to be playing for Liverpool and have players around you with so much quality. Let’s see what it brings.”
Van Dijk added: “It’s still so early in the season.
“We’ve seen them over the years put together crazy winning runs and being so consistent.
“Now they have some injuries and are in a bit of a difficult period but things can turn quickly.
“We shouldn’t focus on any of that and I don’t think we do.”
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