Liverpool vs Genk: Ballon d’Or nominee ruled out with illness

Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold has not travelled with the squad to Belgium to face Genk in the Champions League group stage because of a virus.

Liverpool will have face Genk in the Champions League tomorrow without one of their seven Ballon d’Or nominees as Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out with a virus.

James Pearce of The Athletic tweeted out the news today after the England full back missed today’s training session and there was speculation about his availability for the must win Champions League matchup.

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It is yet to be know if he is expected to be ready to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday in the huge Premier League clash; the first time the sides have met since June’s Champions League final victory.

It was noted today that Klopp had included 18-year-old right back Neco Williams in the first team training, sparking rumors that Alexander-Arnold would miss the game. Fans were puzzled as to why he would be absent with no apparent injury from the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

It is now highly likely that Klopp will roll Joe Gomez at right back for the visit to Genk with Dejan Lovren possibly coming in for Joel Matip at center back after the Cameroonian also sat out today’s training.

With Alexander-Arnold confirmed out the chances of Williams making the bench have dramatically increased. He has the opportunity to impress with Ki-Jana Hoever away on international duty with the Netherlands at the Under-17’s World Cup and Nathaniel Clyne ruled out with a long-term injury.

James Milner would be the obvious player to cover at right back if needed but he is speculated to start in midfield as Klopp rotates his squad for a midweek Champions League games sandwiched between two fixtures against ‘Big 6’ Premier League sides.

Liverpool will be looking for their first away win in the Champions League group stage for over a year after losing all three last season and suffering to defeat to Napoli in this campaign.