Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate update as Liverpool face injury crisis before Carabao Cup final | OneFootball

Liverpool are facing a defensive injury crisis before Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate were forced off during the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Alexander-Arnold looked to suffer a suspected ankle injury before Konate was substituted in extra time and limped off. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are currently unavailable due to injuries, which could leave Liverpool fielding Wataru Endo as a makeshift option at centre-back and Jarell Quansah at right back.

Arne Slot said Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to be fit for the Carabao Cup final after the right back appeared to twist his ankle when sliding into a challenge on PSG’s Vitinha on the touchline, but the head coach said Konate may be available as the France international was fatigued with the Champions League tie entering extra time.

“I have to ask but for me Ibou was tired [rather] than an injury but Trent had to come off,” Slot said after Liverpool’s defeat on penalties. “That is never a good sign and from people who saw it, it didn’t look good so I would be surprised if he is available on Sunday.

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Alexander-Arnold was able to get back to his feet but he was forced off (AP)

“Then there is two and a half weeks before we start the season again and if we can play nine times with this intensity then [we are] really looking forward to the end of the season.

Alexander-Arnold, who was replaced at right back by Jarell Quansah, would have expected to start against Newcastle as Slot’s side look to win their first piece of silverware this season. The Reds also have a 15-point lead in the Premier League.

Alexander-Arnold was unable to play in last season’s Carabao Cup triumph, against Chelsea, due to injury.