Liverpool hit by SHOCK Trent Alexander-Arnold INJURY concern | OneFootball

To say that Trent Alexander-Arnold is pivotal to how Liverpool play is an understatement.

It has been well established by now that his passing range from the right-back position presents a fundamentally different proposition for opposing teams than any other side in the world.

The recent chatter about whether Alexander-Arnold will renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season, is already taking on an existential tone. It is fair to wonder just what Liverpool look like without the local lad in the team.

Rumours have been rife of his replacement, seeing who could match his output and who could - if it is possible - improve the team with him gone.

What hasn’t been discussed much is what happens if Liverpool were to lose Trent in the middle of the season.

Trent playing through pain

James Pearce is reporting in The Athletic that Trent has been playing with a small injury since returning from international duty with England.

Pearce describes the injury as 'some discomfort' but that Trent 'keeps on putting himself out there'. Amongst all the discussion of him leaving or staying at the club, the concept of him being injured seemed impossible.

"He has played through the discomfort of a muscle strain, sustained towards the end of England’s second international against Finland two weeks ago," Pearce writes.

"Scans revealed a minor issue that could be managed. While he is playing with pain, he intends to keep making himself available as it heals. Injury management helps explain why he was substituted in the two matches since his return, too."