Liverpool’s Wembley dream is hanging by a thread — with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury casting a dark shadow over their EFL Cup final hopes.
As Liverpool prepare for Sunday’s EFL Cup showdown against Newcastle United, manager Arne Slot faces a mounting injury crisis — with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s availability hanging in the balance.
The Reds’ recent Champions League heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain not only saw them crash out on penalties but also left two key defenders in the treatment room.
Alexander-Arnold awkwardly jarred his leg while trying to block a clearance from Vitinha. This incident saw him slam the turf in frustration before hobbling off. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate was forced off in extra time with what initially seemed like a concerning injury.
Hate to see this.
Trent was devastated after his injury against PSG. Just when we need him the most as the most crucial games are up ahead too. pic.twitter.com/zwNblbcWZr
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) March 12, 2025
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website on Wednesday, Slot admitted the club is still in the dark regarding Alexander-Arnold’s condition.
“Not on Trent because it is too early to say,” said the Dutchman, offering little reassurance to the Anfield faithful.
However, Slot provided a more positive update on Konate, revealing that the Frenchman’s issue was less severe than first feared.
“With Ibou, we expected only it to be that he was tired or he had some cramps so we are hoping and expecting that he will be ready to play Sunday again,” Slot added.
Also Read: Konate injury scare – Arne Slot breaks silence on Liverpool star’s fitness
Liverpool’s injury crisis: Wembley dreams in danger
With Alexander-Arnold a serious doubt for the Wembley clash, Liverpool’s right-back options are worryingly thin. Both Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez remain sidelined with hamstring injuries. This leaves Jarell Quansah as the most likely candidate to fill in.
The 22-year-old impressed after replacing Alexander-Arnold against PSG, nearly sending Liverpool through with a powerful header that struck the post. His defensive work was solid too, with two interceptions and pinpoint accuracy on long passes.
Slot’s only alternative at right-back would be James McConnell. But the youngster is also nursing an injury picked up while playing for the Under-21s against West Ham United.
Should Konate fail to recover in time, Wataru Endo appears set to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back — a role the Japan international previously handled against Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the competition.
Adding to the drama, Newcastle have their own injury woes with Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, and Jamaal Lascelles ruled out, while star forward Anthony Gordon will miss the final through suspension.
With both sides limping into Wembley, this EFL Cup final is shaping up to be as much about survival as it is about silverware. Can Liverpool’s makeshift backline hold firm, or will their injury woes prove too much to overcome?
Also Read: Robertson speaks out: from UCL heartbreak to Wembley — what’s next
Sridarshi Chowdhury
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where "You'll Never Walk Alone" is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport. My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it's discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I'm always ready for a football conversation.