Trent Alexander-Arnold allays injury fears for Bayern Munich trip – but Naby Keita a concern

March 12, 2019
Jack Lusby

Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Liverpool training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, but there are fresh concerns.

The Reds need either a win or a score draw at the Allianz Arena to secure progress to the quarter-finals of this season’s tournament.

Standing in their way are difficult opponents in Bayern, who have improved significantly after a tough start to the campaign under Niko Kovac, now sitting top of the Bundesliga.

Jurgen Klopp‘s side are aware of the challenge ahead, with Andy Robertson explaining that “it’s all about trying to keep them out first and foremost and then hopefully we can take the chances we get and do enough to get through.”

Liverpool are boosted by the availability of Robertson’s fellow full-back, with Alexander-Arnold taking part in an open training session at Melwood on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old was considered a doubt due to a back problem picked up in Sunday’s 4-2 win over Burnley, but appears to have shaken this off ready to make the trip to Munich.

However, Naby Keita was not part of the 21-man outfield squad warming up in front of the LFCTV cameras, which could suggest he will miss out.

There is a possibility the Guinean was merely training separately from the group, but either way this would not bode well for his chances of featuring against a familiar foe.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was also not present, after picking up a knock on his comeback for the U23s on Friday, though there should be no expectation on the midfielder at this stage—Nat Phillips did train, after returning in the same game.

Another player to have spent a long time on the sidelines, Rhian Brewster, joined his team-mates, as did Ben Woodburn.

Both Brewster and Woodburn are eligible to play for the Liverpool U19s in the UEFA Youth League, but will clearly not be considered as they are firmly in Klopp’s plans.

More positive news comes with both James Milner and Alberto Moreno back in contention, while the rest of the Reds’ key players are fit and ready.