Trent Alexander-Arnold was injured in Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa (Photo: Getty)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has pulled out of the England squad and faces a race against time to be fit for Liverpool’s huge clashes against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The right-back had to be subbed off after just 25 minutes of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, with Arne Slot providing a worrying update after the game.
It has now been confirmed that he suffered a hamstring strain and avoided a more serious injury by coming off when he did.
The Times report that the 26-year-old will be sidelined for two weeks and has already withdrawn from England duty, with the Three Lions set to take on Greece and Ireland in their final two Nations League fixtures.
The defender was already playing through the pain barrier after picking up a strain during the last international break and has already begun his rehab.
This leaves Man City duo Kyle Walker and Rico Lewis as the only right-backs in the squad, with interim boss Lee Carsley expecting more withdrawals as players struggle with fitness issues.
But there is now concern that Alexander-Arnold may not be back in time for when the club season resumes, with Premier League leaders Liverpool travelling to bottom of the table Southampton on November 24.
Alexander-Arnold will miss England’s last two Nations League games (Photo: Getty)
Following that are arguably the two biggest games of the season so far, with the Reds hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League on November 27.
Four days later, they welcome title rivals Man City to Anfield.
It is said that if Alexander-Arnold does not start against the Saints he will likely not do so against Real either, with Conor Bradley expected to deputise.
Ironically, Los Blancos are heavily linked with signing the defender next summer when his contract expires, and there is speculation that he has already decided to leave his boyhood club for the La Liga giants.
Alexander-Arnold’s efforts have helped Slot make an incredible start to life at Anfield, with Liverpool five points clear in the Premier League title race and top of the Champions League table with four wins from four.
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