Liverpool and England have been rocked by a significant injury setback, with star defender Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined by a hamstring strain.
The devastating blow means the influential right-back will miss the Reds' crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Spanish giants Real Madrid next month. Furthermore, he has been forced to withdraw from Gareth Southgate's England squad for the upcoming international fixtures.
Club Confirms Setback
The news was officially confirmed by Liverpool FC, who released a statement detailing the extent of the problem. "Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday and England’s forthcoming internationals due to injury," the club announced.
Scans revealed the 25-year-old sustained the strain during last weekend's dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Anfield, a match where he delivered a stellar performance, including a superb assist for the home side's equaliser.
Klopp's Reaction and Timeline
Manager Jurgen Klopp addressed the media, expressing his frustration. "It's a hamstring. Not good," the German boss stated bluntly. "He cannot play for England. He will not be available for the City game [after the international break]; then he will probably be back, but we will see."
This timeline suggests Alexander-Arnold faces a race against time to be fit for the monumental European tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on April 12th, a repeat of the 2022 final.
International Implications for Southgate
The injury is a major headache for England manager Gareth Southgate. Alexander-Arnold was a certainty to be named in the squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
His absence further depletes Southgate's options at right-back, with Chelsea's Reece James also currently working his way back to full fitness. This likely opens the door for a call-up for another player, such as Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier, to step into the role.
For Liverpool, the focus now shifts to coping without their creative fulcrum as they continue their push for a top-four finish and European glory.
