Trent Alexander-Arnold set to miss Spurs showdown after thigh injury

Liverpool right-back set to return for Merseyside derby.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold (centre) leaves the pitch with medical staff after going down injured. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could miss Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham on Thursday with the injury he suffered at Bournemouth at the weekend, although the right-back is not facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Alexander-Arnold felt discomfort in his thigh during the second half of the 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium and was withdrawn in the 70th minute to avoid aggravating the problem. Arne Slot admitted after the game that it was “not a good sign” when the 26-year-old asked to be substituted, but scans have revealed a minor issue that is expected to rule him out for days rather than weeks.

Slot is unlikely to take any risks given Liverpool’s pursuit of four trophies. The head coach has Conor Bradley available to take Alexander-Arnold’s place and Joe Gomez is nearing a return having been sidelined since December’s rout of West Ham with a hamstring injury.

The England international is, therefore, expected to miss the visit of Spurs, who take a 1-0 lead into game at Anfield, as well as Sunday’s visit to Plymouth in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Alexander-Arnold could return for the rearranged Merseyside derby at Everton a week on Wednesday.

Guardian