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Liverpool rocked by Alexander-Arnold injury, can't recall Clyne from Bournemouth - sources

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks because of a knee injury, with the club unable to recall Nathaniel Clyne from his loan at Bournemouth, sources have told ESPN FC

Alexander-Arnold injured himself during the warm up ahead of Liverpool's 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, but managed to complete the game.

A source said the 20-year-old does not require surgery, which could help speed up his recovery, although the club will not take any chances with his rehabilitation.

Georginio Wijnaldum also suffered a knock to his knee at Brighton and is a doubt for Liverpool's match with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Clyne, meanwhile, joined Bournemouth until the end of the season on Jan. 4 as he sought more regular game-time, having only made one Premier League start for Liverpool this season.

A source close to Bournemouth has told ESPN FC that there is no recall option in Clyne's loan deal.

His departure left Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool's only recognised right-back, with Joe Gomez still sidelined with a lower leg fracture sustained last month.

James Milner has played in the position for Liverpool already this season, while Fabinho operated there during his time at Monaco. Eighteen-year-old Rafael Camacho made his Liverpool debut at right-back in the FA Cup tie at Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

Ki-Jana Hoever, Liverpool's third-youngest ever player, can also line up as a right-sided full-back.

The 16-year-old was sent off during an under-23s match on Monday night for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. But that only warrants a one-match suspension for non-first team matches, although sources have said Liverpool are still pondering whether to appeal the decision.

Alexander-Arnold is the latest Liverpool defender to pick up an injury, joining Gomez and Dejan Lovren on the treatment table.

There has been some encouraging news for Klopp on the defensive front as Joel Matip was an unused substitute at Brighton after returning to full training following his broken collarbone.