Arne Slot Offers Key Injury Update on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté Ahead of EFL Cup Final

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a crucial injury update on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté just days before the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United. With the Wembley showdown fast approaching, the Reds are facing a race against time to get their key players fit for the big occasion.

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign ended in heartbreak after their penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16. But as if that disappointment wasn’t enough, they were also dealt another setback on the injury front. 

Speaking after the defeat, Slot admitted that Alexander-Arnold’s chances of featuring on Sunday look slim. The right-back suffered a worrying ankle injury during the match, and the Dutch manager didn’t sound optimistic about his availability. “He had to come off, that’s never a good sign,” Slot acknowledged in an interview with The Independent. “And from what I heard from people that saw the images of how he got injured, that didn’t do very good. So, I would be surprised if he is for Sunday.” 

Alexander-Arnold appeared to twist his right ankle awkwardly while challenging Vitinha, forcing him off in the 73rd minute. With back-up right-back Conor Bradley already sidelined with an injury sustained against Aston Villa, Liverpool suddenly find themselves short of natural options for the position. Joe Gomez, another potential stand-in, is also struggling with fitness concerns, which could force Slot to use Wataru Endo as an emergency right-back. 

However, there was some positive news regarding Ibrahima Konaté. Slot confirmed that the French defender’s early substitution was due to fatigue rather than an injury, meaning he is expected to be available for the final. Despite the injury concerns, Slot remains hopeful that his squad can regroup and turn their frustration into motivation as they chase silverware at Wembley.