Sports

Alexander-Arnold Set to Miss Liverpool’s League Cup Final

Published

9 months ago

March 15, 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot will face a challenge as he prepares for the League Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday, with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out due to an ankle injury. This injury adds to the team’s growing list of defensive issues.

The right-back sustained his injury during Liverpool’s recent Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), forcing him to leave the pitch visibly affected. He has officially been declared unavailable for the final, further straining a squad that already lacks two defenders. “Trent is indeed not available. He will not be there at the final,” Slot confirmed in a pre-match press conference. “However, we are still assessing how long he will be out, and we expect him to return before the season concludes.”

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Slot remains optimistic that Ibrahima Konate will be fit for the League Cup final, as the team seeks to clinch their first trophy of the season following last year’s victory over Chelsea.

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Konate was also forced to leave the Champions League match against PSG during extra time, and Slot acknowledged that his status remains uncertain for the final. His absence would compound Liverpool’s defensive challenges, as Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are already sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Concerns regarding Alexander-Arnold’s fitness arose when the 26-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Despite Liverpool’s promising position in the Premier League and hopes of a potential double, Slot recognized that a victory against Newcastle would not erase the disappointment of their Champions League exit. “Win or lose in the final, we will still feel the sting of losing to Paris Saint-Germain and being out of that tournament,” said the Reds’ boss. “But we play to win games like this, and that’s what our focus is on. We are eagerly anticipating this final, as you must never take such opportunities for granted, especially in this country with its many competitive teams across all Cup competitions.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle faces its own player shortages ahead of the League Cup final, but manager Eddie Howe insists his team is in high spirits. The Magpies will be without center-back Sven Botman and left-back Lewis Hall, while winger Anthony Gordon is suspended. “Losing key players is challenging, but we must regroup and come back stronger as one unit,” Howe stated. “Our core strengths have been reinforced, and the overall team spirit is very positive.”

Newcastle has a chance to claim their first major trophy since 1955, having reached the League Cup final in 2023, where they were defeated 2-0 by Manchester United.

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Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

4 weeks ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.