Liverpool star faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines starting with missing out on Carabao Cup final v Newcastle United

Liverpool’s preparations for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United have been dealt a significant blow as one of their key players, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is set to miss the crucial clash due to an injury that could sideline him for six to eight weeks. The news comes at a particularly challenging time for the Reds, who are still reeling from their recent exit from the Champions League after a grueling two-legged tie against Paris Saint-Germain. The match, which ended in a penalty shootout after extra time, not only left Liverpool emotionally drained but also resulted in a couple of injury concerns, with Alexander-Arnold’s situation appearing to be the most serious.

The Carabao Cup final, scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 4:30 PM, will see Liverpool face Newcastle United in what promises to be an intense and highly anticipated encounter. However, the absence of Alexander-Arnold, one of Liverpool’s most influential players, could have a major impact on the team’s chances of lifting the trophy. The right-back’s defensive contributions, as well as his ability to create chances and deliver pinpoint crosses, have been integral to Liverpool’s success in recent seasons. His potential absence will undoubtedly be felt, and it raises questions about how manager Arne Slot will adjust his tactics to compensate for the loss.

The injury occurred during Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, a match that pushed the players to their physical and mental limits. Alexander-Arnold was forced off the pitch after appearing to sustain a significant ankle injury. While initial assessments from the Liverpool camp were cautious, with Slot stating that he was unsure whether the defender would be available for the final, further analysis by experts has painted a more concerning picture. Shane Ryan, an advanced practice physiotherapist and director of Motherwell Physio, has weighed in on the situation, offering a detailed assessment of the injury based on the footage from the match.

Ryan explained that the mechanism of the injury, which saw Alexander-Arnold’s foot catch awkwardly on the ground, is typically associated with a high ankle sprain. This type of injury involves damage to the ligaments higher up in the ankle, particularly the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). Unlike a standard ankle sprain, which often heals within a shorter timeframe, a high ankle sprain can take significantly longer to recover from, with an average recovery period of six to eight weeks. In some cases, the injury can be even more severe, potentially leading to fractures or long-term instability in the ankle joint. While Ryan emphasized that his assessment was based on video footage rather than a direct examination, his expertise suggests that Alexander-Arnold’s injury is likely to keep him out of action for an extended period.

For Liverpool, this news is a major setback, not only for the Carabao Cup final but also for their upcoming fixtures in the Premier League and other competitions. Alexander-Arnold’s absence will leave a void in the team’s defense and attack, as his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch has been a key component of Liverpool’s style of play. His defensive abilities, while sometimes criticized, are complemented by his exceptional passing range, vision, and set-piece delivery, making him one of the most unique and valuable full-backs in world football. Replacing him will be no easy task, and Slot will need to carefully consider his options as he looks to reshuffle his lineup.

In addition to Alexander-Arnold’s injury, Liverpool also faced concerns over Ibrahima Konate, who was substituted during the match against PSG due to fatigue. While Konate’s issue appears to be less severe, it highlights the physical toll that the team has endured in recent weeks. The Champions League exit, coupled with their earlier elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Plymouth Argyle, has made the Carabao Cup final even more significant for Liverpool. Winning the trophy would provide a much-needed boost to morale and offer some consolation for a season that has been marked by ups and downs.

For Newcastle United, the news of Alexander-Arnold’s potential absence could be seen as a stroke of luck. The Magpies have been in impressive form this season and will be eager to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Liverpool lineup. Newcastle’s attacking players, who have been in fine form, will likely see Alexander-Arnold’s absence as an opportunity to exploit the right side of Liverpool’s defense. However, they will also be aware that Liverpool, despite their injury concerns, remain a formidable opponent with a wealth of talent and experience.

The Carabao Cup final is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to claim the silverware. For Liverpool, it represents a chance to salvage something from a season that has been challenging in many respects. For Newcastle, it is an opportunity to continue their resurgence and add a major trophy to their collection. The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match, as Liverpool will need to find a way to cope without one of their star players.

As the countdown to the final continues, the focus will be on how both teams prepare for the occasion. Liverpool will need to regroup and find a way to overcome the setback of losing Alexander-Arnold, while Newcastle will be looking to seize the initiative and make the most of their opponent’s misfortune. The stage is set for a memorable encounter, and fans from both sides will be hoping for a match that lives up to the occasion. Whether Liverpool can rise to the challenge without their influential right-back remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Carabao Cup final promises to be a spectacle filled with drama, excitement, and high-stakes football.