Liverpool's unprecedented quadruple bid has taken a huge blow, with news that key player Trent Alexander-Arnold will be out for “weeks”.
But the England star has offered the club’s supporters some hope, but targeting a return for the huge title showdown with Manchester City.
The defender, who acts as one of the main creative influences on Jurgen Klopp’s side, will miss the weekend FA Cup visit to Nottingham Forest, and also international duty with England, with a hamstring injury. But Mirror Sport understand he hasn’t given up hope of being fit to play against City on April 10, in the huge showdown which could well decide the destination of the Premier League title.
Boss Jurgen Klopp admitted it is a huge loss for Liverpool, as they target three more trophies to go with the EFL Cup they have already won this season. Speaking about the hamstring injury which Alexander-Arnold picked up against Arsenal in midweek, he said:
“We will see how long it will take but, of course, to replace Trent is difficult but possible,” said Klopp. “But yes, he is very influential. It will be weeks, yes. The way he plays, I don’t know any player who plays like Trent in the world. So it will be difficult to find a one versus one replacement.”
While Klopp seemed downbeat about Alexander-Arnold’s chances of a swift return, he is still hopeful the player can be back for the key games next month which will prove decisive in the quadruple bid.
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They play Watford on April 2 in a game where victory would put them on top of the Premier League, and then face two Champions League quarter final ties either side of the City game at the Etihad. That will be a crucial 10 days, and the player himself is targeting a return for that date, with his rehab already underway.
Klopp has also confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker will play in the clash against Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, but has not contemplated the precise makeup of his side. On whether he is planning to rotate the German said: “We will see, I have really no idea in this moment. The analysis will follow now.
“I saw the Nottingham game, the FA Cup game against Huddersfield, fully and now the analysis follows after this press conference so then we make a decision about the line-up. But we have obviously a couple of issues from the last game and before: people who are ill and I hope I don’t get news somebody is ill today. So far I didn’t get that but the boys come in slightly later."
