Liverpool’s dynamic right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is poised to miss the Carabao Cup final for the second consecutive year, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations.
Liverpool Right-Back Trent Alexander-Arnold Set to Miss Carabao Cup Final Again
The 26-year-old sustained an ankle injury during the second half of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, a match that culminated in a penalty shootout defeat for the Reds.
The incident occurred in the 73rd minute when Alexander-Arnold collided with PSG midfielder Vitinha, leading to an awkward twist of his knee.
He was subsequently substituted, and initial assessments suggest he is a significant doubt for Sunday’s final against Newcastle United.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed concern over the severity of the injury, indicating that Alexander-Arnold’s participation in the upcoming final is unlikely.
This potential absence adds to Liverpool’s defensive woes, with both Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also sidelined due to injuries.
In the PSG match, young defender Jarell Quansah stepped in to replace Alexander-Arnold, but his primary experience lies in the center-back position, highlighting the depth of the current crisis.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate, as Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, amidst ongoing interest from Real Madrid.
His absence not only affects club commitments but also poses a dilemma for England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, who is scheduled to announce his first national squad on Friday.
Tuchel had been keen on including Alexander-Arnold for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, but the defender’s fitness now remains in question.
This development is a significant blow to Liverpool’s aspirations of retaining the Carabao Cup.
In the previous season’s final, the team managed a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, despite the absence of key players, including Alexander-Arnold.
Virgil van Dijk’s extra-time goal secured the win for a depleted side. However, facing a resurgent Newcastle United this Sunday, Liverpool will need to adapt swiftly to compensate for the loss of their influential right-back.
Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Alexander-Arnold, whose creativity and vision have been instrumental in Liverpool’s successes in recent years.
As the team gears up for the final at Wembley, all eyes will be on Slot’s tactical adjustments to navigate this challenging period.
