Liverpool were dealt a huge blow when Trent Alexander-Arnold missed the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.The Reds vice-captain picked up another knee injury in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Burnley. Alexander-Arnold was sent back to the treatment table in January after missing almost three weeks and playing a total of three games.It is a blow for Liverpool, who will be without the player when they play Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday, February 25.
The Premier League rivals will battle it out for their first title this season after meeting twice at the National Stadium in 2021-22.Jurgen Klopp’s men won both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals on penalties, with both games ending 0-0 after extra time. Liverpool can win the first of four possible trophies as they top the league and play in the FA Cup and Europa League respectively.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have endured another difficult season but hope the trophy will be the catalyst for a top-flight revival. Klopp’s army could be without six players for the final, alongside Alexander-Arnold. Dominik Soboslay was out again last month with injury. The £60m summer signing has been further complicated by a hamstring problem and Klopp has admitted he is unsure whether Szebosley will return to Wembley.
Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara picked up a muscle injury on his first appearance in nine months. The midfielder, who is suffering from a groin problem, did not play again despite coming on for the final five minutes of Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat by Arsenal.Stefan Baicetic suffered from an illness that tormented him throughout the season. After a breakthrough 2022-23 campaign, the 19-year-old has been restricted to just two games this season. Joel Matip continues his bid to return from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, while Ben Doak had knee surgery in December.
“Chelsea” may not even have eight players. Romeo Rabia, who was a Liverpool target in the summer transfer window but opted for Stamford Bridge, made his only appearance for the Blues. Manager Mauricio Pochettino did not send the midfielder to the final.Captain Rhys James will miss out as he underwent joint surgery in December and Wesley Fofana could be out for the season as he continues to recover from a cruciate ligament injury.
Benoit Badiashil is also ruled out with a groin problem, while Marc Cucurella (hamstring), Robert Sanchez (knee) and Leslie Ugochukwu (groin) are all out.Veteran defender Thiago Silva is a doubt after injuring his groin in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Crystal Palace earlier this week.
