Liverpool’s lineup for the Carabao Cup final is becoming slightly clearer ahead of tomorrow’s big day at Wembley.
Arne Slot was handed fresh injury concerns as the Reds had a miserable night on Tuesday, crashing out of the Champions League on penalties to PSG as well as losing one player to injury and another to fatigue.
The Dutchman has hinted at his plans for Sunday over the course of his press conferences this week, with his latest update arriving while speaking to the media yesterday.
Liverpool have a right-back conundrum that may have a surprise solution in Curtis Jones if Slot’s press conference comments are to be believed, while uncertainty also exists around who will start in goal and at centre-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury earlier in the week. He joins fellow right backs Conor Bradley (thigh) and Joe Gomez (hamstring) on the sidelines.
Jarell Quansah seemed likely to move across from centre-back to the right of the back four, but Slot has hinted that Jones may be shifted to defence.
“Trent is indeed not available, he won’t be there at the final,” said Slot. “He is still to be assessed for how long it’s going to take but we do expect him back before the season’s end. Maybe Curtis can play (right-back).”
It has been suggested that Caoimhin Kelleher will get the nod ahead of Alisson, though no decision has yet been made. Slot will also make a late call on the fitness of Ibrahima Konate.
“Ibou Konate, we didn’t train yesterday, it was a day off and the day before was recovery, I expect him to train with us today but let’s see how he is.”
With all three of Liverpool’s right back options out of contention, the onus is on Harvey Barnes to step up in the absence of the suspended Anthony Gordon and exploit what could be their key weakness.
Barnes, who provided the assist for Bruno Guimaraes against West Ham United on Monday, has been waiting for his chance in the first team and they won’t come any bigger than this.
The 27-year-old will take to the field at Wembley faced with either a centre back in Quansah or a midfielder in Jones both outside of their preferred position, a genuine chance for the winger to write his name into NUFC folklore with a big performance.