Liverpool star ruled out of final v Newcastle – Rival injury watch | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Liverpool have been dealt a major setback ahead of the Carabao Cup final, with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of Sunday’s showdown against Newcastle United.

The right-back, who limped off during Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, has suffered an ankle injury that will sideline him for at least several weeks.

The Mail report there were also initial concerns over possible knee damage, but he “needs further scans to give a clearer timeline for his recovery”.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Ibrahima Konaté also left the pitch against PSG, though his issue is understood to be fatigue rather than injury, and he is expected to recover in time for the final.

However, the absence of Alexander-Arnold, one of Liverpool’s most creative outlets, will be keenly felt, particularly in a side that struggled for cutting edge in Europe this week.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s captain’s future, with Virgil van Dijk offering a blunt response to speculation over his contract situation. The 33-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, dismissed reports of an imminent extension.

“I still have no idea. Genuinely,” Van Dijk said. “There are 10 games to go and that is my full focus. If there is news, you will know it. There are some conversations but that is about it.”

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

With Liverpool maintaining a strict contract policy regarding players over a certain age, negotiations over Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk remain unresolved, and the club’s stance on Alexander-Arnold‘s long-term future is unclear with Real Madrid reportedly confident of securing the full-back’s signature this summer.