Liverpool hit by SHOCK Trent Alexander-Arnold INJURY concern

To say that Trent Alexander-Arnold is pivotal to how Liverpool play is an understatement.

It has been well established by now that his passing range from the right-back position presents a fundamentally different proposition for opposing teams than any other side in the world.

The recent chatter about whether Alexander-Arnold will renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season, is already taking on an existential tone. It is fair to wonder just what Liverpool look like without the local lad in the team.

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Rumours have been rife of his replacement, seeing who could match his output and who could - if it is possible - improve the team with him gone.

What hasn’t been discussed much is what happens if Liverpool were to lose Trent in the middle of the season.

Trent playing through pain

James Pearce is reporting in The Athletic that Trent has been playing with a small injury since returning from international duty with England.

Pearce describes the injury as 'some discomfort' but that Trent 'keeps on putting himself out there'. Amongst all the discussion of him leaving or staying at the club, the concept of him being injured seemed impossible.

"He has played through the discomfort of a muscle strain, sustained towards the end of England’s second international against Finland two weeks ago," Pearce writes.

"Scans revealed a minor issue that could be managed. While he is playing with pain, he intends to keep making himself available as it heals. Injury management helps explain why he was substituted in the two matches since his return, too."

What do Liverpool do if Trent is injured?

Conor Bradley is the established backup for Alexander-Arnold at the right-back position, having already deputised for him multiple times and being used as a relief option to rest Trent towards the end of games.

Bradley himself has missed the past two games with a rib injury following his captaincy of Northern Ireland during the last international break. He has displayed a high-quality level when called upon despite only being 21 years old.

The third choice would be Joe Gomez, who is also rumoured to be on his way out of the club. Gomez presents a distinct departure in playing style, focusing much less on attacking output.

Trent playing through any discomfort is a testament to what this club means to him. This idea is also the most crucial aspect to his decision to keep playing here. It’s in his blood.

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