Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur due to a thigh injury, manager Arne Slot confirmed on Wednesday.
The Reds will aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Spurs at home on Thursday without the right-back, who was forced off in the 70th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth.
Alexander-Arnold has featured in 31 games across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing seven assists.
“He left the pitch with some pain in his leg (at Bournemouth). He’s already back on the pitch with the rehab coach, so we’ll see how long it takes,” Slot explained to reporters. “We have to see if he can play on Sunday (in the FA Cup fourth round), but he won’t be available tomorrow.”
Academy graduate Conor Bradley is expected to replace Alexander-Arnold, with Slot backing the 21-year-old to keep improving after playing 18 games in all competitions this season.
“He (Bradley) also played against Spurs in the first leg. Every game and training session brings something to learn, and if not, it’s been a poor session from me,” said Slot.
The manager also refused to downplay Spurs’ depleted defence, despite injuries to key players like Radu Dragusin, who is likely out for the season due to an ACL injury, as well as Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Micky van de Ven.
“Even with all the injuries Spurs had last time, it should have been an advantage for us, but we still lost to the players who were fit,” Slot added. “I wonder if Micky van de Ven will play, as he has a big impact. It will be tough, but we’ll be better than last time.”
