Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Euro 2020 after sustaining a thigh injury in England’s win over Austria on Wednesday.
The right-back pulled up during the latter stages of England’s 1-0 win over Austria at the Riverside Stadium and was helped off the field of play by England’s medical staff.
Scans on Thursday confirmed the Alexander-Arnold has suffered a tear in his quadriceps which will rule him out of the tournament. He has now returned to Liverpool for treatment. The 22-year-old is expected to be out for four to six weeks before he can resume training, and Liverpool will be hopeful he will be fit for the start of the next Premier League season.
Gareth Southgate will not confirm a replacement until after Sunday’s warm-up fixture against Romania, also at the Riverside Stadium.
England’s first Euro 2020 game is against Croatia next Sunday, June 13, at Wembley.
Alexander-Arnold inclusion in Southgate’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament was one of the biggest topics of debate in the build-up to Tuesday’s announcement.
Southgate opted to pick four right-backs, refusing to drop Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Reece James or Alexander-Arnold.
Ben Godfrey, Jesse Lingard, Aaron Ramsdale, James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins and Ben White were among those in the provisional 33-man squad that did not make the final 26. Striker Mason Greenwood was ruled out of the tournament with a groin issue.
Jordan Henderson (groin) and Harry Maguire (ankle) are continuing to be monitored by England’s medical staff ahead of the tournament, while Jack Grealish played 71 minutes against Austria before being brought off as he continues his return to full fitness after suffering from a shin injury.
Alexander-Arnold, who has earned 13 caps to date, was selected for England’s squad at the 2018 World Cup and now the defender has been denied a chance to feature at his second major tournament.
The Liverpool academy product returned to form in the final games of the season for his club, as Jurgen Klopp’s side won their last five in the Premier League to secure a third-placed finish and Champions League qualification.
Source: Skysports
