Arne Slot says he would be "surprised" if Trent Alexander-Arnold featured in Liverpool's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham, after the defender limped off injured against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Alexander-Arnold was forced off with a muscle injury during the second half of Liverpool's 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium.

Liverpool host Tottenham on Thursday, looking to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot said: "He (Trent) asked me if he could come off and then he went down.

"He felt something, I can't tell you exactly what it is because it is only now an hour after it happened but it is never a good sign if the player is asking for a substitution.

"I would be surprised if he plays on Thursday but let's hope he is back as soon as possible."

Mo Salah's double ensured Liverpool strengthened their place at the top of the Premier League table, opening up a nine-point gap at the summit.

"It was the game we expected," Slot added. "They (Bournemouth) are so intense, they keep running and keep fighting every second. I said before the game, we were 3-0 up at Anfield at half-time and they kept going. We had to play at the top of our abilities and needed luck to win this game.

"They hit the bar or the post two times and they were constantly trying to force things. They had other chances as well and I don't think we actually controlled the game. It was an open and even game which everyone has here, because all the teams struggle here."

The league's top scorer Salah, as so often during this wonderful Liverpool season, was the difference, scoring a penalty in the first half and a brilliant solo goal in the second to secure his team's 17th win in their 23 games, but along the way Bournemouth put up a real fight.

Things did not go the home side's way during a first half in which they hit the post, had a goal disallowed and fell behind following a contentious penalty award.