Alexander-Arnold expects “stronger” Mo Salah next season

Trent Alexander-Arnold has expressed his sympathy for team-mate Mohamed Salah following his World Cup exit but has backed him to use the disappointment to fuel his motivation for the 2018/19 campaign.

Salah returned to the Egyptian starting line-up for their crucial game against hosts Russia on Monday night but was eminently unfit.

He did manage to net a consolation from the penalty spot, but Egypt’s 3-1 defeat virtually confirmed their elimination.

Alexander-Arnold empathises with his club’s star man but does not believe he will be adversely affected by the experience.

“It’s not good to see one of your team-mates not being able to take part in the first game of the World Cup for his nation in such a long time,” the right-back told the press ahead of England’s second World Cup game against Panama on Sunday.

“He played a vital part in getting them there. I haven’t spoken to him, he’s in his team camp and it’s important for him to be with his national team at the minute and focus on getting his win in a World Cup when he plays again in the third game.

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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Mohamed Salah of Egypt is consoled by team mate Shikabala the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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“I’m sure he’ll bounce back and next season he’ll come back fresh and better and stronger.”

Salah is yet to fully recover from a shoulder injury sustained in a clash with Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final.

And after England manager Gareth Southgate dislocated his shoulder while running, a smiling Alexander-Arnold joked that perhaps Salah could offer some advice.

“I suppose I can speak to Mo about how the manager can recover,” he said.

Salah, last season’s Player of the Year, may be rested for Egypt’s final group game against Saudi Arabia on Monday, after which he is free to return to Liverpool and complete his rehabilitation.

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Source: anfieldhq.com