A blow to a team already missing two defenders due to injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be available when Liverpool defends their League Cup title against Newcastle United on Sunday at Wembley.
Alexander-Arnokd hobbled off the pitch during Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 loss to Paris St. Germain due to an ankle injury.
“Trent is indeed not available. He will not be there at the final,” Slot told reporters on Friday.
“But he’s still to be assessed for how long it’s going to take. We do expect him back before the end of the season.”
Slot hopes Ibrahima Konate will be able to play on Sunday when Liverpool, who overcame Chelsea in the League Cup final the previous year, attempts to win their first trophy of the year.
Slot stated that Konate would be evaluated following training later on Friday. Konate was substituted during extra time against PSG.
“With Ibou, we expected only it to be that he was tired or he had some cramps so we are hoping and are expecting that he will be ready to play Sunday again,” Slot said.
“We didn’t train yesterday – we had a day off – and the day before was recovery. I expect him to train with us today, but let’s see how it is.”
Due to hamstring ailments, Liverpool already without defender Joe Gomez and right back Conor Bradley.
When Alexander-Arnold, 26, was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England team earlier on Friday, supporters were alerted to his absence.
Even though Liverpool has a significant lead in the Premier League title race and might win two trophies this season, Slot stated that a victory on Sunday would not make up for the heartache of their Champions League defeat.
With no indication of a contract extension from Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold, striker Mohamed Salah, and captain Virgil van Dijk are all nearing the end of their current terms.
When asked about contract discussions following Tuesday’s defeat, Van Dijk, who is reportedly considering a hefty contract offer from Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal, had little to say.
“If we win or lose the final, there will be disappointment that we lost against Paris St Germain, we are out of that tournament,” the Dutchman said.
“But you play games like this to win it, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.
“And we’re really looking forward to it, to playing a final again, because you cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this country with so many good teams involved in every cup competition.
“So we’re looking forward that we are part of it, and if you are part of it, of course you want and try to win it. But that’s probably what Newcastle wants as well.”
“I still have no idea at the moment.
“Talks aren’t on hold, nothing’s on hold,” the defender had said.
When asked about Van Dijk’s comments, Slot said:
“The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season, and all the rest, these talks about contracts, that’s not what I do over here.”