Slot’s Liverpool hit by injuries ahead of Newcastle clash at Wembley | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Injury Woes Mount Ahead of Wembley Clash

Liverpool’s seemingly unstoppable momentum under Arne Slot has hit its first major roadblock. With silverware on the line in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, the Reds are dealing with a series of untimely injuries that could shape their season’s trajectory.

Already nursing a depleted defence, Slot now faces fresh concerns over key figures Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté. The pair were forced off during Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, a night that may have left more than just psychological scars.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Race Against Time

Alexander-Arnold’s importance to Liverpool cannot be overstated. His influence transcends the defensive line—he is the creative heartbeat of the team, dictating play from deep and driving forward with his trademark precision passing.

However, his participation in Sunday’s final now looks unlikely. The England international suffered an injury during the second half against PSG, attempting to make a challenge near the byline. He received treatment but was ultimately replaced by Jarrell Quansah, a substitution that signalled immediate concern.

Slot’s post-match comments did little to reassure Liverpool fans:“With Trent, he had to come off. That’s never a good sign,” he admitted.“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.”

With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Liverpool are now staring at a crisis at right-back. Quansah, primarily a centre-back, may be drafted into an unfamiliar role, or Slot could opt for Joe Gomez—if fit.

Potential return date: Unknown

Konaté’s Fitness Offers a Glimmer of Hope

If Alexander-Arnold’s situation casts a long shadow over Wembley, there is at least some optimism regarding Ibrahima Konaté. The Frenchman was withdrawn in extra-time against PSG after going down twice in quick succession, prompting fears of yet another defensive casualty.

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Yet, Slot seemed more hopeful about Konaté’s availability:“I have to ask but for me Ibou [Konaté] was more that he was tired than it was an injury.”

Given Liverpool’s injury struggles, fatigue would be a welcome diagnosis. If Konaté is fit to start, it would offer a crucial boost for a team whose defensive depth is already stretched thin.

Potential return date: Sunday 16 March 2025 vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final

Defensive Concerns Deepen with Bradley and Gomez Injuries

Alexander-Arnold’s potential absence is compounded by the ongoing injury to Conor Bradley. The young full-back, who excelled in Liverpool’s League Cup final win over Chelsea last season, remains out with a muscle injury sustained against Aston Villa in February.

Slot confirmed last month that Bradley’s recovery would take time:“Conor Bradley isn’t ok. He is out for a few weeks. It is clear that he went off with a muscle injury and it will take a while before he is back.”

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez—who would ordinarily be a reliable option in multiple defensive roles—is also sidelined. The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s FA Cup shock exit to Plymouth and was ruled out for “a number of weeks.”

Potential return dates: Unknown

Liverpool’s Cup Final Dilemma

Slot’s Liverpool have been a revelation this season, surging 15 points clear at the Premier League summit and looking every bit the dominant force of old. Yet, just as they gear up for their first shot at silverware under their new manager, their squad is fraying at the edges.

Alexander-Arnold’s likely absence is a hammer blow, while Konaté’s condition remains uncertain. The defensive reshuffle could force Slot into untested combinations at Wembley—an unwanted scenario against an experienced Newcastle side eager to end their trophy drought.

Liverpool’s squad depth has been a talking point all season. Now, it faces its biggest test.