Liverpool manager Arne Slot is rather sceptical about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, but he holds a glimmer of hope for Ibrahima Konate’s return. The Reds take on Newcastle United on Sunday at Wembley.
The defensive duo was forced off the field with injuries during Liverpool’s Champions League 4-1 penalty shootout loss to PSG, after the French club clawed back with a 1-0 win in normal time to draw the aggregate score level.
Following their Anfield exit from the competition, Slot commented on the injuries saying, “I have to ask but for me Ibou was more that he was tired than it was an injury. With Trent, he had to come off. That’s never a good sign.”
Commenting on how Alexander-Arnold’s mishap transpired, Slot said, “And from what I heard from people that saw the images or how he got injured, that didn’t look very good. So I would be surprised if he is available for Sunday.”
Addressing any concerns over his squad’s fitness after a gruelling 120 minutes just ahead of the Wembley showdown, he seemed to find a silver lining: “The good thing is we play a final on Sunday, so mentally that’s probably the best you can ask for, because this is what we are playing football for: to play finals.”
Liverpool boss Slot said: “And then there are two-and-a-half weeks in between before we start the season again. And if we can play nine times with this intensity – and the ones we play at home with the same intensity from the fans as well – then I am really looking forward to the end of the season.”
Liverpool might face difficulties without players Alexander-Arnold and Konate. Right-back Conor Bradley is also injured, although 22 year old Jarell Quansah could step in to fill Alexander-Arnold’s place. Quansah or Joe Gomez are potential candidates to replace Konate.
For Newcastle, issues revolve around Anthony Gordon being suspended, whilst injuries impact their choice of defenders with Sven Botman and Lewis Hall unavailable. However, Alexander Isak is expected to join the starting lineup.
The Magpies boss Eddie Howe has a decision to make on his left hand side gives Gordon and Hall’s absence. Tino Livramento started at left back on Monday night against West Ham and is likely to keep his spot there, but the left wing place had appeared up for grabs.
However, Harvey Barnes’ performance on Monday looked to have leapfrogged him over Joe Willock, and with Liverpool now having issues down that side, Howe may opt for the goal threat of Barnes rather than a more defensive option to combat Alexander-Arnold.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/from-what-ive-heard-liverpool-31180439
