Anfield Index
·3 febbraio 2025
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·3 febbraio 2025
Liverpool remain firmly in control of the Premier League title race, but their 2-0 victory over Bournemouth came with an unwanted setback. Arne Slot’s side continue to find ways to win even when not at their fluent best, yet concerns over key players persist.
The sight of Trent Alexander-Arnold sitting on the south coast turf and signalling to be substituted was an unwelcome moment for Liverpool. Having only recently returned from injury, the right-back was forced off against Bournemouth, sparking doubts over his availability for Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham.
Photo IMAGO
Speaking after the game, Slot admitted the situation remains uncertain:
“The situation was that he said to me, ‘You have to take me off’ and he sat on the floor and we took him off,” he explained.
“He felt something, I can’t tell you exactly what and how bad it is of course because we are one hour after the game, but it is never a good sign if a player is asking for a substitution.”
Photo: IMAGO
With no confirmed diagnosis yet, Alexander-Arnold’s potential absence is a concern for Liverpool. His creativity and passing range make him a crucial asset, and missing a key fixture could disrupt Slot’s tactical setup.
Potential return date: Unknown
Liverpool have had to navigate an injury-hit campaign, and Joe Gomez has been one of the longer-term absentees. The defender suffered a hamstring injury in December’s emphatic 5-0 victory over West Ham and has not featured since.
Photo: IMAGO
However, there is positive news regarding his recovery. Gomez has recently returned to full training, signalling that his comeback is not too far away. Given Liverpool’s fixture congestion, having defensive reinforcements will be crucial.
Potential return date: February/March 2025
Liverpool’s ability to keep key players fit will be vital as they approach the business end of the season. With multiple competitions still in play, ensuring squad depth remains intact could be the difference between success and disappointment.
Slot has already shown a pragmatic approach to rotation, but injuries to vital figures like Alexander-Arnold mean adaptability will be key in the coming weeks.