Liverpool’s defensive worries deepen before crucial cup final

Anfield Index

·12. März 2025

Liverpool’s defensive worries deepen before crucial cup final

Liverpool Face Defensive Concerns Ahead of Carabao Cup Final

Injuries are threatening to disrupt Liverpool’s preparations for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, with Trent Alexander-Arnold looking almost certain to miss the Wembley showdown. Ibrahima Konaté’s condition, meanwhile, remains uncertain, adding to Arne Slot’s growing list of defensive worries.

Concerns Over Trent’s Fitness

Liverpool’s European campaign came to a frustrating end against Paris Saint-Germain, but the fallout extended beyond the result. Alexander-Arnold limped off in the second half, his frustration evident after picking up an injury while making a challenge near the byline. He attempted to carry on, but it quickly became apparent that he could not continue.

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Speaking after the game, Slot admitted the situation did not look good:

“With Trent, he had to come off. That’s never a good sign. 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.”

This setback comes at a time when Liverpool are already stretched in the right-back department. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are both sidelined with hamstring injuries, leaving the squad short of natural replacements.

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Jarell Quansah, who impressed off the bench against PSG, seems the most likely candidate to step in at Wembley. The 21-year-old defender came close to scoring against the French giants, hitting the post before being denied by an offside flag. Despite his inexperience, he has looked assured when called upon and could now be in line for one of the biggest starts of his young career.

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Konaté’s Condition Raises Questions

While Alexander-Arnold’s absence is almost confirmed, the situation with Konaté is more ambiguous. The French centre-back went down twice in extra time before eventually being substituted for Wataru Endo.

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Slot offered a more hopeful assessment of Konaté’s condition:

“I have to ask but for me Ibou [Konaté] was more that he was tired than it was an injury.”

However, Liverpool will not take any risks if there is any doubt over his fitness. The defensive depth is already stretched, and losing another key player so close to the final would be a major blow. Konaté has formed a strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk, and if he is unavailable, it could force a significant reshuffle at the back.

Defensive Options for Wembley

Liverpool’s injury situation means Slot may have to get creative with his defensive selections. If Konaté is unavailable, the likely options include:

Jarell Quansah – Already expected to cover for Alexander-Arnold, he could be moved centrally if required.
Wataru Endo – Naturally a midfielder, but has experience in defence and was brought on in that role against PSG.
Kostas Tsimikas – Typically a left-back, but could be used to balance the defence if required.

Youngsters such as Isaac Mabaya and Amara Nallo have been involved in the first team this season, though throwing them into a cup final would be a huge gamble.

The injury issues are a concern, but Liverpool have coped well with adversity this season. With Newcastle also dealing with their own selection problems, Slot’s side will need to find a way to navigate through yet another challenge as they aim to lift the first silverware of the campaign.