Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of Carabao Cup final

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Sunday as a result of injury.

Alexander-Arnold suffered a knee problem during Liverpool's FA Cup third round win over Arsenal in early January and was sidelined for "a few weeks". He missed three games, including both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham, but was back against Norwich in the FA Cup on 28 January.

Alexander-Arnold then started the Premier League defeat to Arsenal, getting 58 minutes under his belt but coming off early as a precaution. However, he was then substituted at half-time during last weekend's win over Burnley. The player had some strapping on his left knee in that game, which hadn't been the case against Arsenal a few days earlier.

Members of the Liverpool press pack have now reported that the right-back aggravated his knee problem in that Burnley outing and won't play in the Carabao Cup final because of it. The vice-captain had already been missing from training on Tuesday.

Alexander-Arnold's return had coincided with emerging talent Conor Bradley being granted compassionate leave following the tragic death of his father earlier this month.

Jurgen Klopp said after facing Burnley that Bradley would be given "as long as he needs with his family" when it came to time off back home in Northern Ireland. The 20-year-old, who had massively impressed recently, has since returned to training and could now start at Wembley.

Mohamed Salah has also been back in training this week after suffering a hamstring injury at the Africa Cup of Nations. Alisson is also available once more after missing out against Burnley through illness, although Caoimhin Kelleher has been the preferred choice in the Carabao Cup all season and was given the nod ahead of the Brazilian when Liverpool last reached the final in 2022.

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