Liverpool suffer huge injury blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold goes off early in Aston Villa clash sparking fears he could miss upcoming England matches

The 26-year-old was taken off in the 22nd minute after he collapsed to the ground and appeared to be in distress despite no contact with another player. It looked like a muscle injury and Liverpool's manager Arne Slot chose not to risk his fitness and substituted him with Conor Bradley.

Slot's decision came as a precautionary measure, particularly given Liverpool’s already extensive injury list and the critical role Alexander-Arnold plays for both club and country. The Reds were already without several key players before they met Aston Villa, including first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Diogo Jota. Midfielder Federico Chiesa and promising youngster Harvey Elliott have also been sidelined, leaving the Reds with limited options in their lineup.

Slot’s injury-stricken squad did not hesitate, however, in pushing for an early lead, which they secured just moments before Alexander-Arnold went off. Mohamed Salah nearly found himself taken down by Villa’s Leon Bailey in a race toward goal. However, referee David Coote chose to let play continue, and Darwin Nunez made the most of it as he rounded Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez to slot the ball into the net.

Alexander-Arnold’s potential absence has raised questions about his availability for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures. The Liverpool star is part of Lee Carsley's squad set to face Greece and Ireland on November 14 and 17 respectively. Medical tests will reveal the full extent of the defender's injury and English fans will hope that the injury is not severe enough to sideline him for a lengthy period.