Trent Alexander-Arnold injury: Will the Liverpool star be fit to face Wolves and Newcastle? - (2021)

Categories: Football | Published by: AC

21/12/2018

Updated: 01/08/2021

Before Trent Alexander-Arnold missed Gameweeks 16 and 17 he was one of the most reliable sources of points in defence, scoring 73 Fantasy Premier League points in just 13 appearances.

But during Liverpool’s crucial win over Napoli he picked up a nasty foot injury.

Over 21 per cent of Fantasy Premier League players still own the injured full back, all of whom will be waiting patiently for the defender to return from the sidelines.

Could Alexander-Arnold feature in Gameweek 18?

Jurgen Klopp gave the following promising update on Tuesday: “It actually looks surprisingly good.

“I think Wolves will still be a bit too early but after that, they told me we can think about him.

“But for that, he needs to train. So far he didn’t train but the pain goes down second by second, which is good, and then in the moment when he can deal with it, he is on the pitch, and in the moment he is on the pitch we’ll make a decision.

“But it looks good for Trent.”

Should I sign him?

Not just yet.

Klopp revealed that Alexander-Arnold will in all likelihood miss Liverpool’s match up with Wolves, meaning it is a little early to bring him back into the fold.

Instead Fantasy Premier League managers should consider recruiting the full back ahead of Gameweek 19 when the Reds take on Newcastle.

Alternatives

Lucas Digne scored a last minute equaliser against Watford in Gameweek 16 (Getty Images)

Still looking for a defender for Gameweek 18? Sign one of these reliable point scorers.

Matt Doherty (£5m) has emerged as something of an FPL cult hero this season, scoring three and assisting three from the backline. Consider picking him up as a budget alternative to Alexander-Arnold.

Lucas Digne (£4.9m) The Frenchman is criminally undervalued at £4.9m and should see his stock rise in the coming gameweeks, so consider signing him as a cheaper alternative.

Fabien Balbuena (£4.4m) West Ham have picked up two clean sheets in four Gameweeks and with a winnable run of fixtures continuing against Watford this weekend it’s worth investing in one of their budget defenders.

i verdict

Fantasy Premier League managers should heed Klopp’s caution on Alexander-Arnold’s fitness and refrain from recruiting him for Gameweek 18.

Instead players should instead sign Fabien Balbuena as a budget alternative, given he’s especially good value for money.

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