Arne Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the Carabao Cup final, but hopes the Liverpool right-back will return before the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold was forced off in the second-half of Liverpool’s defeat to PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as he appeared to suffer an ankle injury when lunging into a tackle.
The 26-year-old has been ruled out of the Wembley clash with Newcastle on Sunday and now faces a spell on the sidelines.
However, Ibrahima Konate, who limped off in extra-time against PSG, is expected to be fit for this weekend’s final, with his withdrawal in midweek down to fatigue.
“Trent is not available, he won't be there,” Slot confirmed at a press conference on Friday. “He is still to be assessed but we do expect him back before for the season's end.
“Konate, yesterday was recovery, I expect him to train with us today."
With Conor Bradley also currently out injured, it is likely to be Jarell Quansah filling in for Alexander-Arnold at Wembley.
The 22-year-old came on against PSG and hit the post as he offered a real threat from set-pieces, and he has done enough this season to catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel.
Quansah has been named in the new England boss’ first squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
“It says a lot about his mentality [England call-up],” Tuchel said.
“Every time he plays everyone can see he is a talent. He has had some setbacks and he has reacted and shown in recent performances. He has outgrown being called just a talent so that is what Tuchel has seen.
“He has done well for us in a position he is not used to, at right-back. He is strong, fast and comfortable on the ball. And he gives us something different on set-pieces too, you saw where he hit the post [against PSG].”
