Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced out of Liverpool’s Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain in what could be a hammer blow to Arne Slot. With the Reds trailing 1-0, the defender appeared to awkwardly go down as he went in for a challenge and looked in clear discomfort as he stayed on the ground.
Physios rushed on to attend to the 26-year-old, who was treated for several minutes. He appeared to be holding his knee, and eventually was helped to his feet before limping off.
Jarrell Quansah was sent on as a replacement, and the change nearly paid dividends for Liverpool when he headed Andy Robertson’s free-kick onto the post before the tie went into extra-time. But the development now leaves Slot with a major injury worry ahead of a crucial time in the season.
On Sunday, his side face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Alexander-Arnold now looks unlikely to be available for that clash, the last game for Slot’s side before the international break.
It’s not just the Dutch manager who will be concerned. New England boss Thomas Tuchel was expected to select the right-back in his squad for his games in charge, the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, on March 21 and 24, respectively.
If the injury turns out to be serious, fans will also fear he has played his final game for Liverpool. Alexander Arnold’s deal expires in the summer, and contract talks have reportedly broken down over a new deal amid interest from Real Madrid.