Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be fit in time for his side's high-profile fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City, according to reports.
Alexander-Arnold had to be substituted 25 minutes into Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa with a hamstring problem. The England international had been playing through pain for the past month after damaging his side while representing his country against Finland.
Ultimately, the combination of ailments forced Alexander-Arnold to withdraw from Lee Carsley's squad for this month's Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Seven other players joined the Liverpool defender on the long list of absentees.
Despite sitting out England's matches, there is hope that Alexander-Arnold will be available shortly after club football returns in two weeks time,
ESPN report that the deep-lying playmaker is expected to be fit for Liverpool's Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday 27 November and the visit of Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday 1 December.
Arne Slot's side travel to rock-bottom Southampton on the first Sunday after the international break (24 November). Alexander-Arnold could even be fit enough for that fixture but may not be risked, especially as Slot has the strong alternative of Conor Bradley available.
The European tie against Real Madrid could be particularly poignant for Alexander-Arnold. Rumours of a potential move to the Spanish capital have been rife throughout the season as the right-back is out of contract next summer. Real Madrid already have a defensive crisis at centre-back which they may have to address in January, leaving any transfer for the summer.
Alexander-Arnold missed 22 games through injury last season, sitting out the best part of three months with ligament damage to his knee after a three-week hamstring issue at the start of the campaign.
READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed
