Liverpool and England footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed how the current football season has been taking its toll on his body more than ever before. The 22-year-old Premier League star was recently sidelined by a calf injury. This came after an intense period of games that followed a very short break in between seasons, because of the global pandemic.

‘This season has been especially difficult with no real pre-season. You’ve seen a lot of players pick up muscular injuries,’ says the flying full-back. ‘I know many other teammates and players feel the same way – this year of all years.’

And more than ever before, Trent Alexander-Arnold is aware of how seriously he has to look after himself. ‘It is so important to me to look at my overall wellbeing, physically and mentally. The physical demand on my body as a football player is intense. It’s essential to recognize that and be proactive in taking care of my body.’

The secret weapon

Fortunately for the youngster, playing for Liverpool means the care and attention is second to none. ‘Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to some of the best trainers and facilities in the world,’ he says.

Alexander-Arnold also revealed one of his secret weapons against fatigue – the massage gun he keeps close to hand to help his muscles recover. ‘Theragun is not just a recovery tool to me. It has become an integral part of my daily routine,’ he says. 

To read more about how Alexander-Arnold recovers from the intensity of playing matches twice a week, buy the March/April issue of Healthy For Men which will be available in all Holland & Barrett stores and online at hollandandbarrett.com from 12 February 2021.

The January/February issue is still available to buy now, featuring a wealth of fitness, nutrition and wellbeing advice to help you get on track in 2021.