A medical expert outlines a probable timeframe for Trent’s “really nasty” injury recovery.

Liverpool’s painful Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night was made worse by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury. The Reds’ vice-captain was visibly distressed after rolling his ankle in the second half at Anfield, forcing him to be substituted in the 73rd minute, with Jarell Quansah replacing him.

After the match, Arne Slot admitted he’d be “surprised” if the 26-year-old was fit for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle—and that possibility has now been completely ruled out.

How long will Trent be out?

Shane Ryan, an advanced practice physiotherapist and director of Motherwell Physio, has assessed Trent’s injury and suggested the earliest return could be late April.

Speaking via motherwell.physio on TikTok, Ryan explained:

> “The way his foot catches the ground is really nasty. This type of injury often causes a high ankle sprain, which tears the ligaments higher up in the ankle—specifically the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL).

> “These aren’t typical ankle sprains; they usually take longer to heal. The average recovery time is six to eight weeks, but it could be longer depending on any additional damage.

> “Hopefully, it’s no worse than that, as these injuries can sometimes lead to fractures and instability in the distal tibiofibular joint, which can have long-term consequences. With proper medical care, he should be back within six to eight weeks.”

A return before the season ends?

If Ryan’s prediction is correct, Trent should be available towards the end of the season.

With uncertainty over his future if he doesn’t sign a contract extension, some feared his injury might mark his last game for Liverpool. Fortunately, it looks like he will still play a role before the campaign concludes.

The 26-year-old will miss a second consecutive Carabao Cup final due to injury, and with Conor Bradley also unavailable, Quansah is expected to start at right-back against Newcastle at Wembley. While not an ideal solution, the young defender performed well in that role after coming on against PSG.

Liverpool’s schedule could work in their favor, as they won’t play again for 17 days after Sunday. Based on projections from Premier Injuries, that should give Bradley enough time to recover for the Merseyside derby on April 2.

Slot is likely to provide an update on Trent’s injury during his press conference ahead of the cup final, though his response will likely align with Ryan’s prognosis.