Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold hit by knee injury

English Woman's Journal - Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold hit by knee injury

Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold hit by knee injury / Photo: Paul ELLIS - AFP

Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirmed Alexander-Arnold's injury when he spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's League Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham.

Alexander-Arnold was able to finish Sunday's 2-0 third round victory over the Gunners, but the knee tear means he will spend an extended period on the sidelines.

The influential England right-back's absence is a significant setback for Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are also chasing silverware in the Europa League as well as the two domestic cups.

"First of all, some not-that-good news, Trent hyper-extended his knee during the last game," Lijnders said.

"So he has a little tear in the lateral ligament of his knee and he will need time to recover. He had a scan and he will be out for a few weeks, so let's see after that.

"He will get some rest and then hopefully he can come back to where he was."

After Wednesday's League Cup tie, Alexander-Arnold will miss a Premier League clash with Bournemouth on January 21, then the second leg at Fulham three days later.

Liverpool will play Norwich or Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round on the weekend of January 27 before taking on Chelsea in the Premier League on January 31.

"It is a big blow as he was one of our most important players. Even in bad spells he was the one putting the balls where we needed the difference," Lijnders said.

"Because this guy was decisive in all the games and was the one who created constantly for us from deep and gave the team a high level of flexibility.

"We will really miss him. We will have to find new dynamics without him because he made our game flexible but hopefully it is three weeks."

It wasn't all bad news for Liverpool on Tuesday as Lijnders said Netherlands centre-back Virgil van Dijk was available to face Fulham after missing the Arsenal game due to illness.

D.W.Robertson--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold hit by knee injury