Liverpool faced a setback less than 30 minutes into their Premier League match against Aston Villa, as Trent Alexander-Arnold was compelled to leave the field due to an injury. The England right-back appeared to be in distress midway through the first half.
Liverpool didn't take any risks with the defender, who was substituted by Conor Bradley. Alexander-Arnold had been selected for Lee Carsley's England squad for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League double-header.
Both club and country are now anxiously awaiting the severity of the problem. Reds manager Arne Slot was already missing several key players before the game started.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson and forward Diogo Jota are also out of action, while Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott have been sidelined too. Liverpool managed to take the lead against Villa shortly before the injury occurred.
Mohamed Salah was brought down by Leon Bailey as he sprinted towards the goal, but referee David Coote allowed play to continue before Darwin Nunez rounded goalkeeper Emi Martinez and scored. Nunez had a prime opportunity to increase his score before half-time, finding himself one-on-one with Martinez.
However, the Uruguayan failed to capitalise, sending his shot over the bar.
Aston Villa nearly made Liverpool rue a missed opportunity just before the break, with Caoimhin Kelleher pulling off a couple of crucial saves. He then had a narrow escape when he misjudged a cross and almost let Lucas Digne sneak in at the far post.
Liverpool sealed the win late on when Salah raced through on goal and dinked the ball past Martinez.
To add to Villa's concerns, Jacob Ramsey exited the pitch clutching his hamstring. The question on everyone's lips is how much Liverpool will miss Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is winding down along with those of teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, was a topic of conversation before the Villa clash. Slot, addressing the media, acknowledged his involvement in contract talks: "It would be strange if I had no input," he admitted.
"Sometimes being head coach is convenient. Contract situations are talked about by people who need to talk about it. I speak about it with Richard [sporting director Richard Hughes] and not in front of you guys with a microphone."
With Manchester City stumbling in their 5.30pm match against Brighton, losing 2-1 despite an early lead, Slot's side knew that victory on Saturday would put them five points clear at the top.
Erling Haaland gave the reigning champions an early lead, but a late surge from the Seagulls saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Joao Pedro levelled the scoreline before fellow substitute Matt O'Riley sealed the comeback with a stunning strike.
