Why Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped for Liverpool vs Chelsea

Trent Alexander-Arnold will start on the bench for Liverpool’s Premier League clash at home to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds host the Blues in a battle between two of the division’s struggling big-name sides at 12:30 (GMT).

Jurgen Klopp’s men returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory away at Wolves in the FA Cup this week, though he has turned some heads with his selection choices to take on Chelsea.

Alexander-Arnold has dropped to the bench in favour of 37-year-old James Milner, though this is not believed to be due to performance issues.

The Athletic report that a ‘minor muscle problem’ forced the right-back to sit out a couple of training sessions this week, only returning to the group on Friday and so Klopp has decided against taking a risk.

Elsewhere, there’s a start for Stefan Bajcetic following an impressive showing at Molineux, while Harvey Elliott has been moved from midfield to the wing.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Milner, Konate, Gomez, Robertson; Bajcetic, Thiago, Keita; Elliott, Salah, Gakpo

Chelsea XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Jorginho, Gallagher, Hall; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount