Liverpool fans and players alike will be hurting at the moment after defeat in the Carabao Cup final – some more than others.
The Reds were firmly second best at Wembley as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Newcastle, with the Magpies lifting their first major trophy in nearly 70 years. It ends what has been a tough week for Arne Slot’s men, who also exited the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Premier League title should still be on the way to Anfield, providing a memorable end to Slot’s first season in charge. The Liverpool boss though will be hoping for some better news following the international break.
The Reds had four players out injured at Wembley on Sunday, and they were handed a new scare during the closing stages of the final. Here is the latest on the injury front, including possible return dates.
Harvey Elliott
As if the defeat at Wembley wasn’t bad enough, Liverpool’s misery was compounded by the worrying sight of Harvey Elliott having to be helped off the pitch. The midfielder was the subject of an appalling challenge from Joelinton during the dying embers of the game, with the Newcastle man somehow going unpunished after throwing his counterpart to the turf.
Elliott received treatment on the pitch before he had to be supported by two members of Liverpool’s backroom staff after the final whistle, and he was still limping as he left Wembley later in the evening. The full extent of his injury is unknown at the moment, although Slot will hope he doesn’t end up being ruled out of the Merseyside derby.
Possible return date: Unknown
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold was a big miss for Liverpool at Wembley, although given how bad the Reds were, even the right-back might not have been able to inspire them to anything against Newcastle.
The Liverpool vice-captain was ruled out after picking up an injury against Paris Saint-Germain, having seemingly rolled his ankle while sliding in for a challenge. When Slot spoke to the media on Friday, it was still unclear what the problem was exactly, although it is hoped that Alexander-Arnold will return before the end of the season.
Possible return date: Unknown
Conor Bradley
Liverpool was further hit by Conor Bradley’s absence at Wembley, leading to Jarell Quansah having to fill in at right-back. Bradley hasn’t featured since he was forced off against Aston Villa last month, having only come on as a substitute moments before.
The 21-year-old has not been included in Northern Ireland’s squad during the international break, and Slot will be keeping his fingers crossed he can return in time for the Merseyside derby.
Possible return date: April 2 vs Everton
Tyler Morton
Tyler Morton has been missing since Liverpool’s final league phase game of the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven. He underwent surgery on his shoulder last month, and he could now miss the remainder of the season.
Given there is speculation surrounding his future, and he has previously indicated he could move away from Anfield, it’s possible the midfielder may have already played his final game for Liverpool.
Possible return date: Unknown
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez is another player Liverpool could have done with at Wembley – if nothing else, just to fill in at right-back.
The defender’s return from injury against Plymouth last month lasted all of 11 minutes before he was forced off once again with a recurrence of his hamstring problem. He has since undergone surgery to fix the issue, and there is still hope that he might be able to return before the end of the season.
With just over a couple of months remaining in the campaign though, time is running out if Gomez is to make it back into the side during the final nine league games, and he’s another player who has faced speculation over his future.
Possible return date: May
