Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury cast a shadow over Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, with the English 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.

The 26-year-old has been named in the England squad for their Nations League games against Greece and Ireland, but Slot said he would be surprised if Alexander-Arnold 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. Not because I didn’t like him, but because he asked for it himself,” Slot said.

“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.

“I would be surprised if we will see him playing for the England national team this week, but hopefully he can.”

Liverpool, who return to action at Southampton on November 24, have a tough run of fixtures coming up as they take on Real Madrid in a Champions League clash before league meetings with Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Liverpool opened a five-point lead at the top of the log as breakaway goals by Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah sealed their win.

The November international break could not have come at the best possible time for Liverpool.

After the break, Slot will have more alternatives and the Reds will be able to welcome back Diogo Jota, Alisson, Harvey Elliott, and maybe Federico Chiesa.

Alexander-Arnold ought to choose not to serve overseas and obtain enough sleep. The Reds will need Alexander-Arnold to be at his best following the break, even though Conor Bradley is a dependable backup.

The 26-year-old is now in the last year of his Anfield contract and has not yet signed a new one.