Liverpool’s preparations for the Cup final against Newcastle United have taken a massive hit, with Trent Alexander-Arnold emerging as a major injury doubt.
The Reds suffered a painful 4-1 defeat on penalties at Anfield on Tuesday, crashing out of the tournament despite a valiant fight over two legs.
But the real concern now lies with Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off in the 73rd minute with an apparent ankle injury.
“Not a Good Sign” – Slot Fears the Worst for Alexander-Arnold
Speaking after the match, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot painted a grim picture of the situation, admitting that the defender’s condition looks serious.
“[Trent] had to come off. That’s never a good sign. And from what I heard from people that saw the images or how he got injured, it did not look very good. So I would be surprised if he is available for Sunday,” Slot said.
With the Wembley final just days away, Liverpool fans now face an anxious wait for further updates on their vice-captain.
The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Reds this season, and his absence would be a huge setback for Slot’s side.
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Despite the disappointment of elimination, Slot found solace in the quality of the match, describing it as the best he has ever been involved in.
“It was the best game of football I was ever involved in. I don’t have the history that Liverpool has as a manager, but it was two teams at an incredible level. The intensity in the first 25 minutes was unbelievable,” Slot told reporters.
“But I looked at the scoreboard and we were 1-0 down. Over 90 minutes, I don’t think we deserved to lose this game. Over 180 minutes, maybe it was deserved that we went to extra time.”
“In extra time, I thought PSG were a bit better than us, and then it comes down to penalties and we lost.”
PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé scored the decisive goal in the second leg to send the tie to extra time, before Liverpool suffered heartbreak in the penalty shootout.
Gianluigi Donnarumma saved spot-kicks from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, while Désiré Doué buried the winning penalty for the French side.
More Injury Worries for Liverpool?
In addition to Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool could also be sweating over the fitness of Ibrahima Konaté, who limped off in the second half of extra time. However, Slot suggested that the French centre-back’s issue may be less serious.
“With Ibou, it was more that he was tired than it was an injury,” Slot explained.
Nonetheless, losing two defensive stalwarts in the same game ahead of a crucial cup final is far from ideal for Liverpool, who are already navigating a packed fixture schedule.
England Concerns Loom for Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold’s injury is not only a blow for Liverpool but could also impact England’s squad selection ahead of their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia later this month.
If the right-back is sidelined for an extended period, Gareth Southgate may have to rethink his plans.
Final Focus: Can Liverpool Overcome Their Wembley Hurdle?
Liverpool must now shift their attention to the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday, but the absence of Alexander-Arnold could force a major tactical reshuffle.
The Reds are seeking their first domestic silverware of the season, and will look bounce back from their European heartbreak.
However, Slot remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming final.
“The good thing is that we play a final on Sunday, so mentally, that’s the best you can ask for,” he said. “That’s what you play football for – to play in finals.”
With Wembley looming, Liverpool’s medical team will assess whether Alexander-Arnold can make a miraculous recovery – or if the Reds will have to navigate their biggest game of the season without one of their key players.
