Chris Sutton can’t believe Konate incident in Liverpool v PSG – ‘Blimey’
Chris Sutton had so much joy watching the UEFA Champions League clash between Liverpool and PSG at Anfield on Tuesday that he likened it to a boxing match.
Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League after losing 4-1 on penalties to PSG on 11 March after playing out a 1-1 draw with them across two legs in the last-16 tie.
The result left the likes of Mohamed Salah devastated as the Premier League runaway winners failed to defend a one-goal lead in front of home supporters at Anfield.
Arne Slot and Co will be determined to put the disappointment behind them when they lock horns with Newcastle in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, 16 March.
Sutton confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold blow, baffled by Konate injury
However, Liverpool face the prospect of having to field a weakened side as they came out bruised after playing 120 minutes against PSG on Tuesday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off the pitch in the 73rd minute after twisting his ankle, while Ibrahima Konate was replaced by Wataru Endo in the second half of extra time after struggling to shake off a cramp.
| Minutes | Accurate Passes | Chances Created | Errors Led to Goal | Touches | Clearances | Recoveries | Duels |
| 111 | 44/48 (92%) | 1 | 1 | 62 | 5 | 7 | 3/5 |
Sutton is certain that Alexander-Arnold will miss the EFL Cup final after injuring himself in the “terrific” match against PSG, but was shocked to see Konate, a centre-back, go down with a cramp.
“I thought it was a terrific match. I really, really did”, Sutton said on Daily Mail’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast (13 March).
“They were like two boxers. Late on in the game, they were pretty much punched out, weren’t they?
“Then the penalties, the drama of the penalties as well, and that would have taken a lot out of them.
“You mentioned Alexander-Arnold, I’m no medical expert as you’ll know, but he looks like he will miss []
“Konate, it looked like a cramp. Centre-backs getting cramps, blimey! Whatever next.”
Liverpool defence stretched thin
Slot will be short of options in defence if Alexander-Arnold and Konate are ruled out of the EFL Cup final.
It will be a surprise if the England international is passed fit for the clash at Wembley, while it remains to be seen if the former RB Leipzig ace can partner alongside Virgil van Dijk against Newcastle.
Speaking after the game on Tuesday, Slot suggested that the Frenchman’s was more a case of him being tired than injured, meaning he could be in contention to play on Sunday.