Slot: Curtis Jones Could Start at Right Back on Sunday | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny

Liverpool’s preparations for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle have taken a significant hit with the untimely injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. While the club has done well in managing player fitness this season, the unpredictable nature of football means setbacks are inevitable.

Slot confirmed on Friday that the right-back will play no part in the final after suffering an injury during Tuesday’s defeat to PSG. With Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley also sidelined, Liverpool find themselves in a precarious position at right-back. The absence of key personnel leaves Slot with a crucial decision on who will step in.

Photo: IMAGO

Curtis Jones Considered as Surprise Right-Back Option

The timing of Alexander-Arnold’s injury could hardly have been worse. Jarell Quansah deputised commendably against PSG but remains an unorthodox choice for the role. As speculation mounted over who might fill in, Slot introduced an unexpected name into the conversation—Curtis Jones.

“I think maybe even Curtis could play there or you could also play with a left-footed defender on the right side, which is what Newcastle are doing but on the opposite side,” Slot stated.

Jones, naturally a midfielder, possesses the technical ability and intelligence to adapt, but his defensive acumen in a full-back role remains untested at the highest level. Slot’s comments suggest that Liverpool may be considering an unconventional approach to address the shortage at right-back, which could make for a fascinating tactical subplot at Wembley.

Ibrahima Konaté’s Fitness Offers Hope

The concerns in Liverpool’s backline were compounded when Ibrahima Konaté also limped off late in Tuesday’s clash. With Quansah already covering multiple roles, Konaté’s availability is crucial to Liverpool’s defensive structure.

Fortunately for Slot, the French centre-back appears to be recovering well. The manager provided an encouraging update, stating: “We had a recovery day on Wednesday and we didn’t train yesterday, but I expect Konaté to train with us today.”

Should Konaté prove his fitness in time for Sunday, he and Quansah are likely to form the right side of Liverpool’s defence. However, if he fails to recover fully, Jones as a makeshift right-back could become a genuine possibility.

Liverpool’s Selection Gamble for Wembley

Liverpool are no strangers to adversity, but the defensive reshuffle required for Sunday’s final presents a unique challenge. Slot has shown a willingness to be flexible, and his suggestion of Jones as a potential right-back underlines his innovative approach.

With Alexander-Arnold confirmed out and uncertainty lingering over Konaté, Liverpool fans will be eager to see how Slot navigates this latest hurdle. Whatever solution he opts for, it is bound to be scrutinised under the intense spotlight of a cup final at Wembley.