League Cup: Will Firmino, Thiago, Trent Play Against Norwich? Liverpool Offer Crucial Update

Liverpool FC will be without Roberto Firmino, Thiago Alcantara and Trent Alexander-Arnold for their upcoming League Cup clash with Norwich City on Tuesday.

Liverpool’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders confirmed that Alcantara was ruled out of the Norwich game and the subsequent Premier League match against Brentford, Alexander-Arnold was expected to return in time for the league game.

Jurgen Klopp was forced to take off Alcantara in the second half of the Crystal Palace game at Anfield last weekend. Although the Reds are waiting for the further scan results, it is confirmed that the Spaniard has sustained a calf injury.

"Thiago, how the gaffer said after the game, it was a calf injury. I can’t say now how long it will take but definitely not tomorrow and not at the weekend. Let’s get the scan results back and we have a proper diagnosis. It is a shame because he was taking the game by the hand; he was a proper playmaker in my opinion. It is also a shame that we miss him. In one week we lose two really influential midfielders, that’s the bad thing," Liverpool’s assistant manager Lijnders told Liverpool’s official website on the eve of the League Cup game.

Klopp’s assistant also said that while Alexander-Arnold, who sat out the Reds' win against Crystal Palace after falling ill shortly before kick-off, has not tested positive for COVID-19. The player will anyway undergo a test.

"Our game basically started at 12 o’clock against Palace; he took responsibility to speak with the doctor. It was not easy because these guys – it says a lot about our group anyway – they want to play everything, [even] if they feel a bit shaky or ill, but he took the responsibility. There are no Covid symptoms. We test regardless. He should be fine in a few days but Norwich comes too early," added Lijnders.

Liverpool have been without their star forward Firmino in their last three matches after the Brazilain suffered a hamstring injury. Lijnders has said that their No. 9 is expected to resume training this week.

"Then we have Bobby, who will do parts of team training but also not ready. But he is progressing well. And Neco is progressing well as well. [For him] tomorrow also comes too early," said Lijnders.

With four wins and a draw, Liverpool are placed second in the 2021-22 Premier League table.

Also, under Klopp’s management, the Reds are yet to win the League Cup title.