Liverpool’s hopes of reaching the League Cup final have taken a hit as Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of their semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur. The right-back, who sustained a thigh injury during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, will not be available for the crucial clash at Anfield. Manager Arne Slot confirmed on Wednesday that while Alexander-Arnold has begun his rehabilitation, it remains unclear when he will return to full fitness.
Alexander-Arnold’s Absence a Major Blow for Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold has been a vital player for Liverpool this season, making 31 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice, and providing seven assists. His creativity and defensive contribution will be missed as the Reds attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Spurs. Slot revealed that although the defender has returned to light training, he will not be ready in time for Thursday’s match. The club is also unsure whether he will recover in time for their FA Cup fourth-round fixture on Sunday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Premier League)In Alexander-Arnold’s absence, young right-back Conor Bradley is expected to start. The 21-year-old has already played 18 times this season and featured in the first leg against Tottenham. Slot expressed confidence in Bradley’s potential, emphasizing that each match and training session is an opportunity for the youngster to develop. With this semi-final offering high stakes, Bradley will have a chance to prove himself on a big stage.
Tottenham’s Own Injury Woes
While Liverpool will miss their star right-back, Tottenham also face significant injury concerns in defense. Radu Dragusin is expected to be out for the season due to an ACL injury, while Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Micky van de Ven are also sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Slot remains cautious, noting that Spurs still managed to win the first leg with key players missing. He acknowledged Van de Ven’s influence on Tottenham’s defense and speculated whether he would recover in time to play.
With the second leg set to take place at Anfield, Liverpool will look to put in a stronger performance than they did in the first meeting. Slot believes his side must improve to secure a place in the final and is confident they can rise to the occasion. The absence of Alexander-Arnold is a setback, but Liverpool’s depth and home advantage could help them overturn the deficit. As both teams deal with injuries, the match promises to be a fascinating contest with a final berth on the line.
