Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently managing an ongoing injury issue, with the Liverpool right-back playing through the pain as his minutes are carefully monitored.
With the fixture list becoming increasingly demanding, head coach Arne Slot is starting to grapple with the injury woes that plagued Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
Currently, he is without several key players: Alisson (hamstring), Diogo Jota (rib), Federico Chiesa (fitness), Harvey Elliott (foot), and Conor Bradley (rib).
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Slot said: “I think they feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend.
“Federico might train with us today or tomorrow – but Diogo definitely not. And Conor Bradley, let’s see if he can be with us tomorrow.”
On the condition of Alisson, he added: “He’s progressing well, like we expect.
“But it’s not a short-term recovery.
“It’s always difficult to judge him. I think the best way to judge an injury is in the end of an injury, the end phase of his rehab, and he’s not there yet.
“I can’t tell you how much longer he will be out, but don’t expect him to be in against Brighton in the cup or next week.”
Adding to these challenges, the club’s medical staff is addressing a muscle injury affecting Alexander-Arnold.
According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, a scan following England’s 3-1 victory over Finland on October 13 revealed it to be a “minor issue.”
Notably, that match saw the defender score a stunning free-kick.
Pearce reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold has “played through the discomfort” and intends to remain available as the injury heals.
This situation is complicated by the absence of Conor Bradley, who would likely have started in place of Alexander-Arnold for either the matches against Chelsea or RB Leipzig.
Instead, the right-back has taken on the starting role in both games, being substituted in the 81st minute of the 2-1 win over Chelsea and the 75th minute of the 1-0 victory at Leipzig.
Slot will continue to manage Alexander-Arnold’s workload.
The Dutchman recently praised Joe Gomez’s application in training, noting his readiness to step up.
Gomez has replaced Alexander-Arnold in both matches following the international break and is likely to be in contention to start at right-back in next week’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton.
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