Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Return to Play is Not Rushed, Klopp Assures
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has assured fans that defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return from injury has not been rushed. Alexander-Arnold recently came back from a three-week absence due to a knee problem, but aggravated the issue during a match against Burnley. As a result, he was unable to play in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on February 25th.
Klopp addressed concerns that Alexander-Arnold may have been forced back too soon, stating, “As long as I am here, we never forced anybody back and will never do.” He emphasized that the decision to return to play ultimately lies with the player but added that if they always listened to the player, they would be playing after just two weeks, which can be detrimental to their recovery.
The defender initially injured his knee during a match against Arsenal on January 7th. He made his comeback as a substitute in a game against Norwich City on January 28th and also featured in matches against Chelsea and Arsenal before being taken off due to his knee issue. Klopp explained that they always aim to bring players back as soon as possible but never sooner than they are ready.
In addition to Alexander-Arnold, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is also currently sidelined with a recurring hamstring injury. Klopp acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances but emphasized that it does not reflect the quality of the medical department. He stated, “The world we are living in [people say], ‘the medical department, I’m not sure about that.’ It’s nothing to do with that.”
Looking ahead, Klopp highlighted the importance of upcoming matches against Brentford and Luton before the Carabao Cup final. He expressed disappointment that both Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai will be unavailable for these games. While there is a possibility that Szoboszlai could be fit for the final, Alexander-Arnold may require an additional week or two to recover fully.
On a positive note, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, has returned to full training and is in contention to play against Brentford.
In other news, Klopp has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for January, while Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has won the Player of the Month award. The team had a successful month, winning all three of their league games, with Jota contributing three goals and two assists.
As Liverpool continues to navigate a demanding season, Klopp remains focused on managing player injuries and ensuring their safe return to play. With the support of the medical department and careful consideration of each player’s readiness, the team aims to maintain their strong performance on the pitch.