‘I’d be surprised’ – Arne Slot reveals major doubt for Carabao Cup final after Liverpool crash out of Champions League
In a brutal blow following Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League, Arne Slot has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt to feature in the Carabao Cup final. Paris Saint-Germain brought an end to the Reds’ European adventure via penalty shoot-out thanks to two saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Paris Saint-Germain will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finalsGetty Darwin Nunez cut a devastated figure as his missed penalty contributed to the lossGetty A 12th-minute goal from Ousmane Dembele levelled the tie after Harvey Elliott’s strike in the first leg gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead on aggregate. Despite both teams combining for a total of 40 shots, neither side could find another goal in the remainder of normal or extra time. Vitinha and Mohamed Salah scored the first penalties for both teams but misses from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones proved costly, as none of PSG’s penalty takers missed. Desire Doue sealed PSG’s passage into the quarter-finals when he sent Alisson the wrong way from the spot and sparked wild scenes from the visitors. PSG now await either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-final, with the Villans holding a 3-1 lead on aggregate going into the second leg on Wednesday. Aside from the sting of defeat, Liverpool boss Slot must now contend with the fact Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to feature in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday, live on talkSPORT. Alexander-Arnold’s night came to an end in the second half when he attempted to intercept a pass but landed awkwardly on his right ankle and stayed down. The right-back cut a devastated figure on the turf and pulled his shirt over his head while being treated by Liverpool’s medical staff. Alexander-Arnold eventually got back to his feet but could only limp as he took over four minutes to exit the field and head down the tunnel at Anfield. He was replaced by Jarell Quansah. Check out all the best Cheltenham Festival free bets and offers at our dedicated page Alexander-Arnold cut a devastated figure on the sideline after picking up an injuryAFP via Getty GettySlot said the right-back now appears likely to miss Sunday’s Carabao Cup final[/caption] Konate also went off but Slot insisted it was because the Frenchman was ‘tired’Getty Match Stats Alexander-Arnold’s injury also took place days out from England boss Thomas Tuchel naming his first Three Lions squad on Friday. Speaking after the contest, Slot said ‘I’d be surprised’ if Alexander-Arnold recovers in time for Sunday. However, he allayed fears the Reds could be without Konate, claiming the Frenchman was brought off because of fatigue rather than an injury. Konate was taken off in the second half of extra time having gone down with injury once before. But upon dropping to the turf a second time, Liverpool boss Arne Slot decided Konate could play no further part as defensive midfielder Wataru Endo came on in his place. Slot could be without three key defenders for the Carabao Cup final on SundayOffside via Getty The 26-year-old has been virtually an ever-present for Liverpool this season having missed just five games across all competitions, three of which were due to a hamstring injury. As for Konate, he missed eight games in December with a knee issue. Complicating matters further for Slot is the fact back-up right-back Conor Bradley is already out with injury. The Northern Irishman was forced off during the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in February with a muscle injury and has not played since.
In a brutal blow following Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League, Arne Slot has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt to feature in the Carabao Cup final.
Paris Saint-Germain brought an end to the Reds’ European adventure via penalty shoot-out thanks to two saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
A 12th-minute goal from Ousmane Dembele levelled the tie after Harvey Elliott’s strike in the first leg gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead on aggregate.
Despite both teams combining for a total of 40 shots, neither side could find another goal in the remainder of normal or extra time.
Vitinha and Mohamed Salah scored the first penalties for both teams but misses from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones proved costly, as none of PSG’s penalty takers missed.
Desire Doue sealed PSG’s passage into the quarter-finals when he sent Alisson the wrong way from the spot and sparked wild scenes from the visitors.
PSG now await either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-final, with the Villans holding a 3-1 lead on aggregate going into the second leg on Wednesday.
Aside from the sting of defeat, Liverpool boss Slot must now contend with the fact Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to feature in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday, live on talkSPORT.
Alexander-Arnold’s night came to an end in the second half when he attempted to intercept a pass but landed awkwardly on his right ankle and stayed down.
The right-back cut a devastated figure on the turf and pulled his shirt over his head while being treated by Liverpool’s medical staff.
Alexander-Arnold eventually got back to his feet but could only limp as he took over four minutes to exit the field and head down the tunnel at Anfield.
He was replaced by Jarell Quansah.
Check out all the best Cheltenham Festival free bets and offers at our dedicated page
Alexander-Arnold’s injury also took place days out from England boss Thomas Tuchel naming his first Three Lions squad on Friday.
Speaking after the contest, Slot said ‘I’d be surprised’ if Alexander-Arnold recovers in time for Sunday.
However, he allayed fears the Reds could be without Konate, claiming the Frenchman was brought off because of fatigue rather than an injury.
Konate was taken off in the second half of extra time having gone down with injury once before.
But upon dropping to the turf a second time, Liverpool boss Arne Slot decided Konate could play no further part as defensive midfielder Wataru Endo came on in his place.
The 26-year-old has been virtually an ever-present for Liverpool this season having missed just five games across all competitions, three of which were due to a hamstring injury.
As for Konate, he missed eight games in December with a knee issue.
Complicating matters further for Slot is the fact back-up right-back Conor Bradley is already out with injury.
The Northern Irishman was forced off during the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in February with a muscle injury and has not played since.
