According to former Arsenal winger Perry Groves, England boss Gareth Southgate will not send Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold to the World Cup in Qatar. Alexander-Arnold has had a difficult season with Liverpool, who are now 10th in the Premier League after a 3-2 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
At the Emirates, the Gunners opted to attack the right side of Liverpool’s defence and were able to score in the first minute, with Gabriel Martinelli getting in behind Alexander-Arnold to put the home side ahead.
What has Perry Groves said about Trent Alexander-Arnold?
After being stepped on by Martinelli early in the half, Alexander-Arnold was replaced at halftime with a concerning ankle injury.
Following the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp provided a bleak update on Alexander-Arnold, describing his injury as “not good” and stating the right-back will require a scan to establish its severity.
Even if he is fully recovered in time for the World Cup, which begins on November 20, Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to be included to England’s team, according to Groves.
Groves said on talkSPORT, “I don’t think there’s any chance that Trent Alexander-Arnold goes to the World Cup“.
Groves added that one of Alexander-major Arnold’s competitors for a right-back berth, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, is also a doubt for the tournament following groyne surgery.
He said, “Even then you’ve got Kieran Trippier, who plays right-back”. “Reece James, I think, is nailed on to be there. I don’t think you need to take three right backs”.
“Wouldn’t you rather take another attacker? Give yourself more options in the attacking positions”.
Groves further added, “With the plethora [of attacking options] that Gareth Southgate has at his disposal, I would rather he took a 10”. “Say somebody said there was a choice between taking three right backs or James Maddison, I’d take James Maddison – in a heartbeat”.
Liverpool equalised via Darwin Nunez before conceding again on the stroke of halftime, with Alexander-Arnold once again at fault.
With Liverpool stretched during an Arsenal counter-attack, the England international chose to close down Martinelli rather than stay with his man in the box.
His decision to meet the Brazilian backfired, as Martinelli was able to set up Saka at the back post for Arsenal’s second goal. After being stepped on by Martinelli early in the half, Alexander-Arnold was replaced at halftime with a concerning ankle injury.
On November 21, England will play Iran in their World Cup opener. The Three Lions will then play the United States on November 25 before facing rivals Wales on November 29.
