Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of Liverpool squad for Sunday’s League Cup final

LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot will not have Trent Alexander-Arnold available when they defend their League Cup title against Newcastle United on March 16, in a blow to a squad already missing two defenders through injury.

The right-back hobbled off during the Champions League last-16 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek with an ankle injury and has now been ruled out.

“Trent is indeed not available. He will not be there at the final,” Slot said. “But he’s still to be assessed for how long it’s going to take. We do expect him back before the end of the season.”

The Dutchman is hopeful that Ibrahima Konate will be fit to play as Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea in last year’s League Cup final, look to hoist their first silverware of the season.

Konate was substituted during extra time against PSG and Slot said the centre-back was a doubt.

Liverpool are already without right-back Conor Bradley and defender Joe Gomez due to hamstring injuries.

Fans were tipped off to Alexander-Arnold’s absence earlier on March 14 when the 26-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

While Liverpool could win two trophies this season as they also have a huge lead in the Premier League title race, the heartbreak of their Champions League elimination cannot be eased by a victory against Newcastle, Slot added.

“If we win or lose the final, there will be disappointment that we lost against Paris Saint-Germain, we are out of that tournament,” the Red boss said.

“But you play games like this to win it, and that’s what we’re going to try to do. And we’re really looking forward to it, to playing a final again, because you cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this country with so many good teams involved in every Cup competition.”

Newcastle, meanwhile, also have absences in their squad but are in high spirits for the League Cup final, manager Eddie Howe said.

The Magpies will be without centre-back Sven Botman and left-back Lewis Hall, as well as winger Anthony Gordon, who is serving a suspension.

“Everyone else is available. Losing big important players is never easy, but you have to come back stronger in a unified way,” Howe said.

“We’ve tried to double down on our core strengths. The spirit is really good, everything is positive.”

Newcastle, who have the chance to win their first major trophy since 1955, also reached the League Cup final in 2023, where they lost 2-0 to Manchester United.

Asked what his side had learnt from that defeat, Howe added: “Difficult to say. We’ve become more accustomed to the bigger games. That’s been a big part of what we’ve done since we’ve been here. Big-game experience should help us when we need it.

“We’ve stayed competitive, in the main, in big games. Our style, we have adaptability, but also we have a clear method. A clear representation of us in and out of possession will be really important for us.

“We want to break that wait for a trophy. It’s the chance to make history and be remembered positively.”

Newcastle’s frontline will be led by striker Alexander Isak, who has netted 22 times in all competitions this season, but the Swedish international could find it tough going against a Liverpool defence comprising Virgil van Dijk.

“I wouldn’t say I fear anyone. That’s a strong word,” Isak said when asked about facing the Dutch centre-back.

“I have a lot of respect for van Dijk and their whole defence. I’m a player who always focuses on myself. If I do the right things and play my best game, it’ll benefit the team.

“It’s not me against one player. It’s Newcastle against Liverpool. It’s a team sport. It comes down to what we do as a team.” REUTERS