Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool defender to miss Carabao Cup final against Newcastle due to injury
Updated 14/03/2025 at 13:59 GMT
Liverpool have suffered a setback in the build-up to their Carabao Cup final on Sunday with star defender Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out due to injury. The full-back sustained the knock in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek and manager Arne Slot confirmed he would be unavailable for the Wembley showdown against Newcastle United.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Liverpool's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday, Arne Slot has announced.
The defender was forced off during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and was visibly distressed as he sat slumped on the Anfield turf in the 73rd minute.
Reds' boss Slot confirmed the news in a press conference on Friday and revealed the 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury.
The Dutch coach also said that he hopes to have the player back by the end of the season, with reports suggesting there is no serious damage.
"Trent is indeed not available," Slot said.
"He will not be there at the final, but he is still to be assessed about how long it will take [before he returns], but we do expect him back by the end of the season."
Slot will have to rethink his team selection ahead of the Wembley showdown as he aims to seal his first trophy as Liverpool head coach.
He also suggested a surprise option who may be able to fill the void left by the England international.
"I think maybe even Curtis [Jones] can play there, and you can also play with a left-footed defender on the right side, which Newcastle are doing at the moment, but the opposite [side of the pitch]."
Ibrahima Konate was another defender whose night ended early against PSG when he was forced off in extra-time.
After the match, Slot said it "was more that he was tired than it was an injury", and gave an update on Friday about the Frenchman's fitness.
"We didn't train yesterday, we had a day off and the day before was recovery, so I expect him to train with us today, but let's see how he is."
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Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are already absent with hamstring problems, but Slot is not the only manager on Sunday left to contend with injuries.
Newcastle have suffered a handful of fitness issues in the lead up to the final as they chase the club's first piece of major silverware since 1955.
Eddie Howe will be without Lewis Hall who has been sidelined for the rest of the season, while Sven Botman has been ruled out with a knee injury.
In addition to that, Antony Gordon will miss the final through suspension after he was sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup.
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