Alexander-Arnold to miss EFL Cup semi against Tottenham

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will be unavailable for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham on Thursday.

Alexander-Arnold was forced off after 70 minutes during Liverpool’s Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Saturday due to what appeared to be a thigh injury.

The Reds, aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at Spurs, will look to capitalize on home advantage at Anfield. Liverpool, who secured the League Cup title last season in Jurgen Klopp’s final year as manager, are determined to keep their hopes of retaining the trophy alive.

“He [Alexander-Arnold] is going to miss the [Tottenham] game,” said Slot, whose side play Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday before an away game at Everton in the league on Wednesday.

“We have to see whether he is able to play on Sunday but what we do know is that he is not available for tomorrow.

“He left the pitch with a bit of pain in his leg but he’s already on the [training] pitch, not with the team but with the rehab coach, so let’s see how long it is going to take.”

Conor Bradley, who replaced Alexander-Arnold against Bournemouth, started the first leg at Tottenham on 8 January and looks set to do the same for the return tie, although defender Joe Gomez is also an option following his return from a hamstring injury.

Liverpool, who are top of the Premier League and have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, did not make any signings during the January transfer window.

“I’ve said it many times, we have a very good squad and, if you look at the league table, the players have shown that the trust we have in them was correct,” added Slot.

“And, apart from Trent now for a few days, we didn’t have many long-term injuries in the moments when the window was open.”