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Liverpool’s preparations for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United could hardly have gone worse this week.

The Reds’ Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain now leaves Arne Slot facing a mounting defensive crisis ahead of the Wembley showpiece.

The Reds endured 120 grueling minutes of football on Tuesday night before succumbing to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat, and the physical toll of that encounter has been compounded by fresh injury concerns to key defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate.

The timing of Liverpool’s European exit could hardly be worse, with just five days separating their emotionally and physically draining defeat to PSG and Sunday’s opportunity for silverware at Wembley.

Beyond the general fatigue affecting his squad, Slot must now contend with potentially decisive absences in his defensive unit.

Trent Alexander-Arnold appears almost certain to miss Sunday’s final after suffering what looked like a significant knee injury during the PSG match.

The England international twisted his ankle while sliding into a challenge on PSG’s Vitinha along the touchline, immediately signaling his distress to the bench.

Compounding Liverpool’s defensive concerns, Ibrahima Konate was also substituted during extra time against PSG after going down twice in quick succession.

There is more optimism regarding the French center-back’s condition, with Slot suggesting it more fatigue than a legitimate injury or knock.

While Liverpool’s preparation has been complicated by their Champions League exertions and defensive crisis, Newcastle United face their own selection issues heading into Sunday’s final.

Most notably, Liverpool-born Anthony Gordon will be absent through suspension after receiving a red card against Brighton, a decision Newcastle opted not to appeal.

Center-back Sven Botman represents another significant absence for the Magpies as he sits out with a knee issue.

And now Lewis Hall, who was widely tipped to miss the Wembley showpiece with a toe injury, has taken to Instagram to confirm his surgery that will keep him out of the clash:

“Still absolutely devastated to not be out there with the lads at such a crucial part of the season,” the Chelsea youth product wrote on Instagram.

“Surgery was a success and now time to rest, recover and support the boys.”

“Thank you for all the messages over the past week, can’t wait to be back out there ready for next season.”

Despite the challenging circumstances surrounding Liverpool’s preparation, the Carabao Cup final represents an immediate opportunity for redemption following their Champions League disappointment.

The Reds remain in a commanding position in the Premier League, sitting 15 points clear at the summit, and Sunday’s final offers the chance to secure the first trophy of Slot’s tenure at Anfield.

Read More: From France: What Virgil van Dijk REALLY said to PSG directors at Anfield


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