The Frenchman hobbled off during extra time as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain. A shock result saw PSG overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to stun Anfield into silence.
Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones fluffed their lines in the penalty shoot-out, with the daunting figure of Gianluigi Donnarumma proving too much between the sticks. Newcastle United supporters are hoping this crushing defeat is the start of a blip in Liverpool’s otherwise relentless season.
Thousands of Toon fans are set to descend on the capital as Eddie Howe aims to end the club’s 70-year wait without domestic silverware. While Newcastle are underdogs, a win over West Ham United and Liverpool’s capitulation to PSG has boosted confidence.
NewcastleWorld has launched a new dedicated NUFC WhatsApp channel to bring you the latest news, analysis and insight from St James' Park. Be part of the conversation -click here to join.
Those hopes were heightened further when Alexander-Arnold went off injured after appearing to roll his ankle. Reds boss Slot confirmed the England star will likely miss the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
However, Konate, whose partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been integral to Liverpool’s success, only suffered with fatigue. Slot told reporters post-match: "I have to ask but, for me, Ibou was more that he was tired than it was an injury. With Trent, he had to come off.
“That’s never a good sign. And from what I heard from people who 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.”
Arne Slot views Newcastle United final as perfect opportunity
Newcastle fans with their glass half-full could be forgiven for thinking this is the start of Liverpool’s downfall. The Magpies certainly needed some encouragement following a tough fortnight, with Anthony Gordon suspended and Lewis Hall and Sven Botman injured.
PSG also play a 4-3-3 system, albeit one with genuine pace out wide and more control in midfield. Howe will be having sleepless nights in the coming days about whether to stick with his tried-and-trusted formation or, like he did against Arsenal, adopt a back five.
Read More
Newcastle United star undergoes surgery - 'devastated' about missing Carabao Cup final v Liverpool
EFL make official Alexander Isak announcement ahead of Newcastle United v Liverpool Carabao Cup final
Liverpool rocked by major injury scare before Newcastle United final as 26 y/o stretchered off
As for Liverpool, Slot refused to stay downbeat and viewed a Wembley showdown - and his first chance to win silverware in English football - as the perfect game to bounce back. He will need to pick his players up, with Mohamed Salah - who was crying at the full-time whistle - and Co visibly upset as they trudged off the Anfield turf.
"The good thing is we play a final on Sunday,” Slot told the media after the PSG loss. “So mentally that's probably the best you can ask for because this is what we are playing football for: to play finals.
"And then there are two-and-a-half weeks in between before we start the season again. And if we can play nine times with this intensity - and the ones we play at home with the same intensity from the fans as well - then I am really looking forward to the end of the season."