Arne Slot shares crushing news as key Liverpool man out v Newcastle United
Arne Slot has shared an injury update ahead of Liverpool’s EFL Cup final showdown with Newcastle United at Wembley.
The Reds could secure the first trophy of the Slot era with victory against Newcastle at Wembley on 16 March.
However, the Dutchman gave a concerning answer when asked about two star men ahead of the clash with Eddie Howe’s side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Carabao Cup final
Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the final against the Magpies with an injury that he suffered against PSG.
Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday (14 March) that the star right-back will miss the contest, saying: “Trent is indeed not available.
“He’s still to be assessed but we still expect him back before the end of the season.”
Asked about Ibrahima Konate, who was replaced in extra-time against the French outfit, he added: “I expect him to train today.”
Jarell Quansah can step up for Liverpool
Jarell Quansah has endured a tough season, failing to make a significant impression on Slot and therefore not starting as much as he would have liked to, with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez above him in the pecking order.
However, he has proved his quality in brief moments such as the superb last-ditch block that secured three points against Wolves and the Champions League exit to PSG when he replaced Alexander-Arnold.
| Stats (2024/25 season) | Alexander-Arnold | Bradley | Quansah |
| Matches played | 39 | 22 | 21 |
| Starts | 35 | 9 | 10 |
| Minutes played | 2,869 | 1,001 | 998 |
With Conor Bradley also missing for the final, Quansah will likely have to step into the starting line-up as a makeshift right-back, which he did on Tuesday and looked very comfortable against the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
The England Under-21s international has had to bide his time but he is more than capable and will finally get the chance to prove himself to Slot on a regular basis if the Three Lions star is out for a considerable period.
He may be able to kickstart his faltering Reds career after a disappointing sophomore campaign on a personal level if he can help the Reds to cup and league glory, with Slot’s side in a commanding position at the top of the Premier League.