Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on February 25 due to a knee injury.
However, Klopp also announced that Mohamed Salah is available for their upcoming game against Brentford on Saturday.
Alexander-Arnold, 25, sustained a knee injury during Liverpool’s FA Cup match against Arsenal on January 7.
Although he returned as a substitute against Norwich later that month, he was forced off at halftime during Liverpool’s recent victory over Burnley.
Klopp revealed the extent of Alexander-Arnold’s injury, stating that the right-back could potentially return to action “a week or two” after the Carabao Cup final.
The Liverpool manager stated, “”I think we have to clarify a bit. I got the news that there was a discussion about we might have forced Trent back because two setbacks,” Klopp told a news conference on Friday.
“It’s really unfortunate. But different cases, different scenarios. As long as I’m here we never forced anybody back, [and] will never do.
“The last decision is then always by the player and if you listen only to the player then the players would play after two weeks then it’s a real problem.
“Very, very unlucky and unfortunate. It’s not great but it says nothing about the quality of anybody here.”
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is also doubtful for the Carabao Cup final as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
On a positive note, Klopp confirmed that Mohamed Salah has returned to full training after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah, who has not played for Liverpool since January 1, is now fit and available for selection.
In addition to Salah’s return, Klopp announced that goalkeeper Alisson, as well as defenders Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Ibrahima Konaté, are also available for Saturday’s game against Brentford.
