Having missed the international break with England due to injury, Liverpool fans have been waiting with bated breath for the past two weeks to discover whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will be fit upon the Premier League's return.
The right-back put in an exquisite performance against Aston Villa prior to the international break, providing an assist in Liverpool's 3-0 win and showcasing his delightful passing range. However, Alexander-Arnold was substituted with 20 minutes remaining after pulling up with a hmastring injury.
Alexander-Arnold told manager Jurgen Klopp it was not too serious after the final whistle, but there were still no guarantees in place that the defender would be fit for the Reds' trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday lunchtime.
So, will Alexander-Arnold be fit to play against Wolves?
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold play against Wolves?
Speaking in his press conference prior to Liverpool's trip to Wolves, Klopp revealed Alexander-Arnold would not be travelling with the squad for the match.
The German said: “[There is] no concern. He is not available, we knew that before. He didn't train with the team once yet and will take a little bit [of time].
"It is not the worst hamstring injury you can have but it's a hamstring injury and they barely heal in two weeks - and this one didn't, either."
It will serve as disappointing news to Liverpool supporters as Alexander-Arnold's absence will further disrupt the Reds' backline. Ibrahima Konate is a doubt for the match despite returning to training, while Virgil van Dijk is suspended following his outburst during the Newcastle United clash.
If both centre-backs were to miss the Wolves match it would cause Klopp a few selection headaches. An injury to Alexander-Arnold's young understudy Conor Bradley means Joe Gomez is the most suitable to fill in at right-back, but he will be needed in central defence to partner Joel Matip.
Klopp could shift Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas to the right-hand side, or perhaps push Wataru Endo to centre-back and move Gomez out wide - Endo did sometimes feature in the heart of defence for Stuttgart.
Either way, it will prove a big decision for the Liverpool coach.
When will Trent Alexander-Arnold return?
Speaking about Alexander-Arnold's return date, Klopp stated: "As he is running already, we hope he can start ball work early next week and then we will see and go from there."
That means the defender will definitely be missing for Liverpool's Europa League clash with LASK on Thursday and their next Premier League game against West Ham United.
The 24-year-old is also likely to sit out the Reds' Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City on 27 September, but could be in line to return against Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend if all goes to plan.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Is Trent Alexander-Arnold fit to play against Wolves?.
