LiveScore Daily: Alexander-Arnold suffers knee injury

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Trent hit with injury

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is set for "a few weeks" on the sidelines with a minor knee ligament tear.

Reds assistant boss Pep Lijnders confirmed the news ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham tomorrow night.

Lijnders said: "Trent hyperextended his knee during the last game [against Arsenal] so he has a little tear in the lateral ligament of his knee and he will need time to recover.

"He had a scan and he will be out for a few weeks, so let's see after that."

Alexander-Arnold, 25, is set to miss both legs against the Cottagers, as well as a Premier League meeting with Bournemouth and a FA Cup fourth round tie against either Norwich or Bristol Rovers.

The England star could also be ruled out for the Premier League meeting with Chelsea on January 31.

Slap in the Boniface

Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen have been dealt a huge blow after striker Victor Boniface was ruled out until April.

Boniface will play no part in the Super Eagles' Africa Cup of Nations campaign which kicks off on Sunday, joining fellow goalscorer Taiwo Awoniyi on the treatment table.

After a muscle injury in training in the lead-up to the tournament, the 23-year-old has returned to Leverkusen.

He is also set to miss a crucial period for his club, who sit four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and are bidding to end Bayern Munich's dominance.

Boniface has been in electric form for Xabi Alonso's side, scoring 16 goals in 23 games.

A club statement read: "Boniface suffered a muscle tendon injury in his right adductor area during the Nigerian training camp in Dubai. Boniface will be operated on in the coming days."

In the market

Erik ten Hag has not ruled out Manchester United using the transfer market to strengthen their injury-hit squad this January.

The Red Devils are up to double figures of absentees after Christian Eriksen and Antony were ruled out of last night's 2-0 win over Wigan in the FA Cup third round.

United's activity is expected to be restricted by financial fair play regulations but Ten Hag suggested there could still be some incomings as they enter a new era following Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at Old Trafford.

The Dutch manager said: "We consider everything — so what is in the best interests of the players and also the best interests for us, the team, for Manchester United. 

"We'll see how we progress during the window."

Foster hails Henderson

New Plymouth boss Ian Foster has hailed the "elite" mentality of Jordan Henderson after coaching the former Liverpool captain at Al-Ettifaq.

Foster, 47, was Steven Gerrard's assistant at the Saudi Pro League club prior to returning to England to take over at the Pilgrims.

Henderson, who has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, was criticised for his move to Al-Ettifaq last summer.

But speaking to the BBC, Foster said: "He's immaculate in everything he does.

"From the the minute he walks into the football club to the minute he leaves — and he's normally the first and last one in those instances — he is an example to all of us in his behaviours.

"It allows me to speak to the young players in the building and say 'this is what elite behaviours look like, I've witnessed it from a player who's captained his country at the highest level'.

"It does benefit you as a coach because you get to see what elite looks like."

Maloney's pride

Wigan boss Shaun Maloney said their game against Manchester United was a great experience for his players despite a 2-0 defeat.

Goals from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes sent the Latics packing in the FA Cup third round but the League One side can take plenty of solace from a battling display at the DW Stadium.

Maloney told ITV: "I'm proud of my players. It was a difficult match.

"When you play an opponent that has that much talent in the final third, it's very hard to then press. I was really happy with our players. 

"There were moments early and in these games, you have to take those chances.

"In fairness, Manchester United had a lot of chances as well. Difficult match but a brilliant experience for our players."

Guirassy injury scare

Guinea are hoping star striker Serhou Guirassy will be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations despite limping off in their warm-up clash with Nigeria.

Guirassy, 27, sits behind only Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts this season after netting 17 times in 14 games for Stuttgart.

Manager Kaba Diawara said the forward was undergoing surgery on an apparent knee issue but is confident it is not a serious injury.

He said: "He came off to avoid any risks. We don't know how serious it is now but it doesn't look too serious. I can only hope it's nothing serious."

The Syli National kick off their AFCON campaign against Cameroon next Monday before facing Gambia and Senegal.