Arne Slot has given an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, revealing that the Liverpool right-back faces a race against time to be fit for next week’s Merseyside derby against Everton. The Reds’ vice-captain was forced off during last weekend’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth with a thigh injury and missed the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham on Thursday.
Although scans showed that Alexander-Arnold’s injury isn’t long-term, Slot admitted that it’s still unclear whether the defender will be fit in time for the derby. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle, Slot explained that it’s too early to determine if Alexander-Arnold will feature against the Blues.
“No, I don’t think so yet. That’s going to be too early for him,” Slot said when asked if Alexander-Arnold could play this weekend.
“Difficult to say [about the derby]. Like I said before, it’s not going to take months and not even weeks, but that’s only three days after the Plymouth Argyle game, so let’s wait and see if he is available.”
Slot also stressed the importance of taking the long-term view, saying that no risks would be taken with the player’s fitness. However, if Alexander-Arnold is fit, Slot confirmed that the vice-captain would be included in the squad for the crucial Merseyside derby.
“We also have to look at the long term, of course, we don’t want to take any risks with so many games afterwards coming up. But if he’s fit then of course we will use him.”
