Liverpool defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip are both in a race against time to be fit for the game against Leeds United later this month. Alexander-Arnold was substituted at half time of the 3-2 defeat Arsenal on Sunday after picking up an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old appeared to twist it under a challenge from Gabriel Martinelli, whose studs landed on the boot of Alexander-Arnold after delivering a cross into the box. Alexander-Arnold carried on for the remainder of the half after the injury, but the swelling on his foot was too much to continue and he is now set to miss the next two weeks.
Matip, meanwhile, is also set to be on the sidelines for a similar period after picking up a calf injury in the same game. Both could be fit for the fixture against Leeds on October 29 but will need to prove their fitness ahead of the clash at Anfield.
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Joe Gomez is the likely replacement for Alexander-Arnold at right back, though his preferred position is in the centre of defence, where Ibrahima Konate is likely to deputise for Matip, who himself made his first appearance of the season at the Emirates.
The news of the defensive duo’s issues comes just 24 hours after reports emerged that Luis Diaz is expected to be out until after the World Cup due to a knee injury picked up on Sunday. Midfielders Arthur and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also long-term absentees for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who sit 10th after a disappointing start to the season.
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