Trent Alexander-Arnold absence highlighted by two stats

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a player Liverpool simply can't replace and two stats show exactly why. The right-back is out through injury.

Liverpool have enough on their plate with injuries but there was room for one more this week. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for what will likely be three weeks.

Fortunately, he won't miss too much as the Reds head into a 10-day winter break but they were still without him against Fulham in midweek. Alexander-Arnold will probably miss a couple more games, too.

And as ever, he's an enormous loss for the team. The right-back is one of the most unique players on the planet, delivering attacking output from full-back like no player before him.

A couple of stats highlighted this week really show just how impossible the job of replacing him is.

Squawka showed off how since the start of last season, Alexander-Arnold has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League defender (16). No real surprise there. And when it comes to creating chances, only Bruno Fernandes has managed more (40 to 37).

Whoscored then made a point about Alexander-Arnold's versatility. They explained how only five Premier League players have combined 20+ tackles, 20+ interceptions and 20+ dribbles this season. Liverpool's right-back is one of them.

So how on Earth do you replace someone like this? A player who wins tackles and interceptions at an elite rate, while also progressing the ball better than anyone in the league.

You don't, is the answer. Liverpool can't possibly replace Alexander-Arnold and they simply need to make-do until his return in a few weeks. Again, the winter break is a welcome one in that regard.

He's not expected back to face Bournemouth, nor will he likely play in the second leg at Fulham or the FA Cup 4th Round. Liverpool must do what they can do cover for him throughout that.