Injury takes shine off Reds going 5 pts clear

Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury cast a shadow over Liverpool's 2-0 English Premier League win at home to Aston Villa on Nov 9, with the England defender being taken off in the first half with what manager Arne Slot said was a "serious" concern.

Alexander-Arnold left the pitch clutching his right hamstring in the 25th minute of the victory, which helped Liverpool open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings.

He has been named in the England squad for their Nations League games against Greece and Ireland, but Slot said he would be surprised if the 26-year-old was able to play in those matches.

"It's difficult to say how serious it is, but it's always serious if a player goes out in the first half," the Dutchman said. "Not because I didn't like him, but because he asked for it himself.

"He didn't ask for it because he was tired, he asked for it because he felt something. That's first of all not a good sign, but it is always difficult so close after the game to tell you exactly what it is. Let's wait and see.