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The REAL reason Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped for Barcelona vs Liverpool - Ferdinand
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was a surprise omission from the Liverpool starting XI for Wednesday’s clash against Barcelona - but why was he left out?
Liverpool arrive at Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona match
Alexander-Arnold has been the regular right-back for Liverpool this season in their run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
However, the England international was only named on the bench at the Nou Camp.
Joe Gomez was preferred on the right side of defence, his first start in any competition since December.
Gomez suffered a broken leg in the 3-1 Premier League win against Burnley and has made just three substitute appearances since recovering.
Gomez defensively you’d say maybe is more assured than Trent Arnold at this stage of their careers
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was working as a TV pundit on the game for BT Sport.
And he said manager Jurgen Klopp left out Alexander-Arnold because he was concerned about the attacking threat of Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba.
“Gomez coming in, fitness-wise, listen, a huge talent, but to come in for this one,” Ferdinand said.
“That tells you that [Klopp’s] concerned about Alba on the left-hand side.
Liverpool: We must have a plan for Barcelona says Klopp
“He’s always the outlet, Alba, especially here at the Camp Nou.
“He’s always the ball that gets in and gets in behind teams.
“So Gomez defensively you’d say maybe is more assured than Trent Arnold at this stage of their careers.”
Captain Jordan Henderson was also left out of the Liverpool side.
Ferdinand said the midfield would be a key part factor in the outcome of the game.
“That midfield area is so important, these big games, getting a strangle hold in the midfield is such an important factor in any game, especially in the first game of this two-legged tie,” he added.
“You want to stay in the game.
“I think that if Liverpool get back to Anfield and they’re within a goal, I make them favourites.”
Liverpool went on to lose the game 3-0 with Lionel Messi netting a second-half brace.