Trent Alexander-Arnold to Miss League Cup Final for Liverpool

Synopsis

Liverpool's Arne Slot will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold for the League Cup final against Newcastle United, exacerbating the club's injury woes. Slot remains hopeful about Ibrahima Konate's recovery while acknowledging the disappointment of their Champions League exit. Newcastle faces its own challenges but is optimistic ahead of the final.

Key Takeaways

Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of League Cup final.
Injury concerns plague Liverpool's defense.
Arne Slot hopeful for Ibrahima Konate's return.
Newcastle also facing squad shortages.
Opportunity for Newcastle to win first major trophy since 1955.

London, March 14 (NationPress) Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold as his team prepares to take on Newcastle United this Sunday in their quest to defend the League Cup title, compounding the club's defensive injury issues.

The right-back sustained an ankle injury during Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) earlier in the week, forcing him to leave the field in discomfort. He has now been officially ruled out of the final, further straining a squad that is already missing two defenders. “Trent is indeed not available. He will not be there at the final,” Slot confirmed during the pre-match press conference. “However, he is still to be evaluated for the duration of his recovery. We anticipate he will return before the season concludes.”

Slot remains optimistic about Ibrahima Konate making a timely recovery for the League Cup final, as the team aims to claim its first trophy of the season following last year’s victory over Chelsea.

Konate was compelled to exit during extra time in the Champions League loss to PSG, and Slot acknowledged that the defender's availability for the final is uncertain. His absence would exacerbate Liverpool’s defensive challenges, with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez already sidelined due to hamstring injuries.

Speculation around Alexander-Arnold’s absence began when the 26-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Despite Liverpool's strong position in the Premier League, Slot admitted that a victory over Newcastle would not erase the disappointment of their Champions League elimination.

“Whether we win or lose the final, there will be a lingering disappointment from our loss against Paris Saint-Germain and being out of that tournament,” the Red boss stated. “However, we play these matches to win, and that’s our goal. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to compete in another final, as such chances are not to be taken lightly, especially in a league filled with so many formidable teams.”

Newcastle is also grappling with squad shortages before the League Cup final, but manager Eddie Howe insists that his team is in high spirits.

The Magpies will be without center-back Sven Botman and left-back Lewis Hall, while winger Anthony Gordon is suspended. “Everyone else is available. Losing key players is never simple, but we must respond with greater unity,” Howe commented. “We’ve focused on reinforcing our core strengths. The morale is excellent; everything is looking positive.”

Newcastle has the chance to claim their first major trophy since 1955, having previously reached the League Cup final in 2023, where they faced a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.