Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will play no part in Sunday's EFL Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley.
The right-back sustained a suspected knee injury in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, although Slot is still expecting him back before the season is over.
Alexander-Arnold will be one of three guaranteed absentees for the Reds on Sunday alongside fellow right-backs Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, both of whom are out of the picture due to hamstring problems.
However, Slot is keeping his fingers crossed that Ibrahima Konate, who was also taken off in the loss to PSG, will be able to shake off his concern in time to partner Virgil van Dijk at Wembley.
If so, nothing will stop Slot from starting Jarell Quansah as Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right-back, while another deputy - Caoimhin Kelleher - is expected to start in goal over regular number one Alisson Becker.
There should be fewer surprises further up the field, though, as Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will no doubt pair up in midfield, while the workhorse that is Dominik Szoboszlai should continue in the number 10 slot.
Cody Gakpo will be banging on the door for a recall to the first XI, though, and the Dutchman's wish may be granted as he demotes Diogo Jota to the bench to start alongside Luis Diaz and the indomitable Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Gakpo
> Click here to see how Newcastle could line up for the final
Ben Knapton
