Another key Liverpool injury confirmed in major blow for Man City's Premier League title rivals

Liverpool could be without Trent Alexander-Arnold for the rest of January after the defender suffered a knee injury during Sunday's FA Cup third round win over Arsenal.

Alexander-Arnold played the full 90 minutest at the Emirates Stadium but was spotted limping in the tunnel after full-time. Liverpool play Fulham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday and assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirmed the bad news in Tuesday's pre-game press conference.

"Trent hyperextended his knee in the game, there is a tear in the lateral ligament," Lijnders told reporters. "He will be out for probably three weeks.

"It is a big blow, one of most important players, he is always decisive. Even in bad spells he took the balls to make the difference. Hopefully three weeks and with a winter break..."

A three-week absence would see Alexander-Arnold return to fitness on January 30, meaning he will almost certainly miss the Premier League game against Bournemouth but has an outside chance of facing Chelsea on January 31. The right-back could also face a race against time to be available when Jurgen Klopp's side head to Arsenal again on February 4.

Alexander-Arnold's injury comes as a major blow to Liverpool, who enter a crucial period in the Premier League title race. Klopp's side currently sit top of the league, five points clear of Manchester City having played a game more.

The England international has been crucial to his side's form this season, registering two goals and three assists in the league from an auxiliary midfield role. His absence comes with Mohamed Salah also unavailable for the next month after being called up to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

"We have many weapons, Mo goes away, [Diogo] Jota steps up," Lijnders added. "If the best players aren't there and we play well - like the second half v Arsenal - that is a good sign. We don't rely on one or two, we are missing probably four or five in terms of Robbo [Andy Robertson], Trent, Mo...

"Trent plays passes the forwards like and he knows how to decide games and knows where the put the balls but the squad has other qualities if you ask me. Alexis [Mac Allister] or Wataru [Endo] in the No.6, we have to find different dynamics. If Jota is a striker or [Darwin] Nunez, it is different so we find solutions, but this squad has so much talent and power. We always say as long as counterpressing there everything else can be replaced."