Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool sidelined with injury for League Cup final clash against Newcastle

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will be sidelined for the League Cup final against Newcastle due to an ankle injury, which could keep him out for an extended period.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League round of 16 penalty shoot-out loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday.

His absence presents a significant challenge for Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, who will be without a recognised right-back for the crucial clash with Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.

With both Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez still in recovery from their respective injuries, the options to replace Alexander-Arnold are limited.

“Trent is unavailable. He won’t be making it to the final,” Slot confirmed to the media on Friday.

“We still need to determine how long he will be out, but we are hopeful he will return before the season concludes.”

Alexander-Arnold has also been omitted from the England squad announced by Thomas Tuchel on Friday ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers later in March.

As the reigning League Cup champions, Liverpool are striving to secure the first piece of silverware under Slot’s management when they take on Newcastle this weekend.

The Reds are also making a strong push for a record-equalling 20th English title, boasting a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League.