Virgil van Dijk claims that Jarell Quansah has already proven that he can replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday against Newcastle.
Alexander-Arnold will miss the ankle injury he sustained in the defeat of Champions League against Paris St Germain on Tuesday and Liverpool fears that the defender will be out for some time. The Reds already miss Conor Bradley with a muscle injury and Van Dijk has no doubt that Quansah will get up for Wembley.
Quansah has been a deputation for Alexander-Arnold since Bradley was crusted in Aston Villa last month and he replaced the English star against PSG. Van Dijk claims that he has shown that he can deliver Liverpool while the Reds are looking for a record 11th Carabao Cup success.
From Tuesday after PSG, Van Dijk said: “Everyone who is on the couch or does not start, must try to make an impact. I didn't even talk to Trent as I haven't seen him yet, I have no idea what it is.
“If Jarell plays right back, he must do as well as possible as he can. He has shown tonight that he can do it. '
Ibrahima Konate was also forced against PSG in extra time with what looked like Kramp and Liverpool does not want to lose him from their backline on top of Joe Gomez, Alexander-Arnold and Bradley who are already out. But the center of France is expected to recover on time for Wembley and it is not assumed that it is a serious problem.
Konate must be fit to partner Van Dijk in the heart of the defense of the Reds with Quansah Right-back and Andy Robertson, who impressed PSG. Caoimhin Kelleher should also make his 18th performance of the season in the goal, because the Republic of Ireland No. 1 bids to win his third Carabao Cup.
Kelleher did not play in the first stage of the semi -final in Tottenham while head coach Arne Slot went with Alisson. But he has made three performances in the competition, including the semi -final second, and Slot is expected to stay with him, as he has done in the domestic cups this season.
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