Newcastle United are in high spirits despite the absences in their squad and will look to present a unified front when they return to Wembley Stadium for the League Cup final against Liverpool, manager Eddie Howe said on Friday.

Liverpool do not have a recognised right-back for the Wembley final because Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are still recovering from injuries so Jarell Quansah is likely to fill in. Newcastle have Anthony Gordon suspended while Lewis Hall and Sven Botman remain out injured. Both managers must decide which goalkeeper to put in.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle with an ankle injury that leaves the defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines.League Cup holders Liverpool are aiming to win the first trophy of Slot's reign when they face Newcastle this weekend.