Liverpool have suffered another defensive injury blow with the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing a spell on the sidelines.

The 20-year-old right-back will miss Sunday's crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester United at Anfield due to the foot injury he suffered in the midweek Champions League triumph over Napoli.

Alexander-Arnold is also expected to sit out next Friday's trip to Wolves and faces a battle to be fit for the festive programme.

The England international has been wearing a protective boot since he was hurt in the closing stages of Tuesday's 1-0 win over Napoli.

James Milner , who was forced off against the Serie A outfit with cramp, is likely to deputise at right-back for the Reds on Sunday. The versatile vice-captain also played there in last weekend's victory at Bournemouth.

Alexander-Arnold's absence is a major blow for Jurgen Klopp, who has already lost defenders Joel Matip (broken collarbone) and Joe Gomez (fractured leg) until late January.

Right-back Nathaniel Clyne, who hasn't played in the Premier League all season, would be the obvious deputy for Alexander-Arnold. However, he's had injury problems of his own in recent weeks and is short of match fitness, although he did play a full part in training at Melwood on Thursday.

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Dejan Lovren, who replaced Alexander-Arnold in the closing stages against Napoli, is set to start at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk against United.