Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold to miss League Cup final in injury blow

Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold to miss League Cup final in injury blow

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle with an ankle injury that leaves the defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Alexander-Arnold was injured in the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 penalty shoot-out defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old’s absence is a huge blow to Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who is without a recognised right-back for Sunday’s showdown with Newcastle at Wembley.

Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, the usual candidates to replace Alexander-Arnold, are both still recovering from injuries.

“Trent is not available. He will not be there at the final,” Slot told reporters on Friday.

“He is still to be assessed for how long it will take but we do expect him back before the end of the season.”

Alexander-Arnold was left out of the named by Thomas Tuchel on Friday ahead of its World Cup qualifiers later in March.

League Cup holder Liverpool is aiming to win the first trophy of Slot’s reign when it faces Newcastle this weekend.

The Reds are also on course for a record-equalling 20th English title after opening up a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League.