Trent Alexander-Arnold targeting return for Liverpool’s clash against West Ham
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is aiming to be fit enough to play in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against West Ham on Sunday, but will miss the Reds’ opening Europa League match against LASK on Thursday evening.
Alexander-Arnold has been on the sidelines since picking up a hamstring injury during the 3-0 win over Aston Villa earlier in September. The injury forced him to withdraw from the England squad and made him miss Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at Wolves last Saturday, with Joe Gomez starting at right-back instead.
Alexander-Arnold’s Injury Timeline
Prior to the Wolves win, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said of Alexander-Arnold’s fitness: ‘It is not the worst hamstring injury but they barely heal in two weeks; this one didn’t . He is running already, we hope he can start ball work soon. We’ll see.’
Well just over two weeks later, The Athletic report that Liverpool’s vice-captain is close to a return and is targeting a return to action at Anfield in what could be a crucial game against in form West Ham.
The Irons have lost just one of their opening five games of the season, at home against Manchester City, and recorded impressive 3-1 wins against Chelsea and Brighton.
Alexander-Arnold’s Return
Though it is doubtful he will start, it is said that the club are hopeful Alexander-Arnold can be involved somehow though they do not intend to take any unnecessary risks with his fitness.
Following the West Ham match, Liverpool have tough league games against Tottenham and Brighton as well as a Carabao Cup and Europa League fixtures with Leicester and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
Conclusion
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to action will be a welcome boost for Liverpool, who have been without the defender since he picked up a hamstring injury earlier in September. Though it is doubtful he will start against West Ham on Sunday, the club are hopeful he can be involved somehow and do not intend to take any unnecessary risks with his fitness.