Trent Alexander-Arnold could miss Real Madrid’s trip to Anfield in November after he was forced off less than five minutes into their Champions League clash against Marseille.
The 26-year-old full-back was handed a place in Xabi Alonso’s starting line-up on Tuesday night, just days after he was dropped by the Spaniard for their La Liga game against Real Sociedad.
After making just two starts in four La Liga matches since joining from Liverpool this summer, it was a huge chance for Alexander-Arnold to prove his worth and send a message to Alonso.
But with just three minutes played at the Bernabeu, an emotional Trent appeared to pull his hamstring after barely breaking stride. He was soon replaced by Dani Carvajal.
Here’s how some Liverpool fans on social media reacted to the scenes as doubts were raised as to whether the England international will feature against his former side on November 4.
One said: “Looks like Trent is already planning to dodge the Anfield test,” while another commented: “Yeah Trent was always going to miss the game at Anfield.”
A third added: “Trent’s excuse to dodge Anfield right there.”
It is unclear whether Trent has suffered a hamstring injury, but if that is the case, then he could be out for a lengthy period.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap, for example, will be out until December after tearing his hamstring, while Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina is set to be out until the end of 2025 after sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty.
Speaking ahead of the game, Alonso confirmed Carvajal was “fundamental” to his plans this season, raising question marks over whether Alexander-Arnold will be a regular starter this season.
“There’s one aspect that hasn’t changed much: the competitive gene he (Carvajal) has,” said Alonso.
“He came in 2013-14 and he already had it. Since he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, he was very important, and that first season, he gave us so much, even winning the Champions League.
“Over the years, that hasn’t changed much, but his personality, maturity, influence; what it means to be a captain with his experience, as well as the respect his teammates have for him and what he has to transmit, that responsibility he has towards the group, is something that has evolved.”
Alonso added: “He has a very important positive influence on the rest. And those leaders we have to keep… not building, but flourishing within a locker room, are fundamental.”