Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the League Cup final against Newcastle due to an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 penalty shoot-out loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed the news on Friday, saying the club is still assessing how long Alexander-Arnold will be out but hopes he will return before the end of the season.
“Trent is not available. He will not be there at the final,” Slot told reporters. “He is still to be assessed for how long it will take, but we do expect him back before the end of the season.”
The injury leaves Liverpool without a natural right-back for Sunday’s final at Wembley, as Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are also recovering from injuries.
Alexander-Arnold’s absence is a setback for Liverpool, who are looking to win the League Cup for the second year in a row and secure the first trophy under Slot’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the defender was also left out of England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, announced by coach Thomas Tuchel on Friday.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League by 15 points, remain in the race for a record-equalling 20th English title.
The League Cup final against Newcastle is set for Sunday.
