Trent Alexander-Arnold
Due to injury, Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will not play in this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, although he may make a comeback before the season ends.
Liverpool’s Champions League round-of-16 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night ended with the Premier League leaders being eliminated on penalties after Alexander-Arnold hobbled out in the second half.
Jarell Quansah, who was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad on Friday, took his place and is now expected to start at Wembley.
At a press conference on Friday, head coach Arne Slot said, “Trent is not available.”
“He will not attend the championship game. We do anticipate him returning before the season ends, but it is still unclear how long it will take.”
Ibrahima Konaté, a center-back who was brought on in extra time against PSG, will also be evaluated.
“We are definitely looking forward to playing in a final again,” Slot added, referring to this weekend’s final. “You cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this nation with so many good clubs competing in every cup competition.”
“We are excited to be a part of it, and if you are a part of it, you want to strive to win it, but Newcastle likewise wants that.”
Following the defender’s admission that he has “no idea” about his future at Anfield, Slot also stated that he wants captain Virgil van Dijk to remain there for the upcoming campaign.
Van Dijk is allowed to talk to clubs abroad about signing a pre-contract agreement for the upcoming season as he, along with colleagues Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, have contracts that expire at the end of the current campaign.
The 33-year-old stated that no decisions on his future have been made as of yet following Liverpool’s Champions League elimination on Tuesday night.
Van Dijk remarked, “I do not even know myself,” “Everyone is aware that some discussions go place behind the scenes, but that is all there is to it.
“I am not even sure what will occur next year at this time. Anyone who claims to know is being dishonest with you.
Slot has already offered his opinion on the subject, stating that his plans for the upcoming season are unaffected by the uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk’s future.
“I do not do that over here,” he stated, adding, “the only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season and all the rest is talking about contracts.” “Not for me, it does not [impact planning].”
