Liverpool are in trouble defensively once again as they have suffered another injury that could spoil their Premier League title hopes. Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for a month after suffering an injury during the warm-up in their 1-0 win at Brighton this weekend. Perhaps naively, the English full-back played the full 90 minutes but he has now been reported to have minor ligament damage that will see him sidelined until February.
Right-sided defenders are now incredibly rare in Jurgen Klopp’s squad and with Alexander-Arnold out, it looks as if James Milner will have to fill in. Nathaniel Clyne was stupidly allowed to join Bournemouth on loan earlier in the month whilst Joe Gomez is ruled out until February. Joel Matip is expected to provide some relief in the centre of defence this weekend as he returns from injury but things are still looking very weak on the right-hand side.
Milner has been a mainstay of Liverpool’s midfield this season but him potentially moving to right-back and Gigi Wijnaldum also out injured according to the Times report, they are looking a little bare in that area. Fabinho is a versatile player who can cover in a number of positions but with his good performances as the anchor man in midfield, it seems unlikely Klopp will move him from that role.
Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita are the men likely to be trusted either side of him although the latter needs to show an upturn in form if Liverpool are to maintain their breakneck pace at the top of the table. Manchester City will be encouraged by this news but it remains to be seen what Jurgen Klopp’s next move will be.
If the possibility is there, he should immediately recall Nathaniel Clyne. However, if that option is not available he may have to dip into the transfer market to strengthen his squad.
