Liverpool trio set to suffer Wembley heartbreak in Carabao Cup final against Chelsea

It's an occasion that doesn't come around too often in players' careers.

And whenever it happens, they savour every moment. It could well be their last trip to Wembley.

Indeed, it will be the first time some of Liverpool's squad experience a final at the national stadium.

Forget Community Shields. Forget pre-season friendlies. There's nothing quite like a cup final at Wembley.

But for some of Jurgen Klopp's troops, they'll be delivered the unfortunate news that no footballer wants to hear.

Injury news

The Reds are looking fairly positive in terms of injuries ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

Roberto Firmino won't be available again because of a muscle problem.

Meanwhile, Diogo Jota is in a race against time to be passed fit. By assistant manager Pep Lijnders’ admission, it will be a 'challenge' for Jota to be involved.

If Jota, who has netted 17 goals this season, is not given the green light then Klopp will still have to omit two outfield players from his match-day squad - plus a goalkeeper.

The EFL allows teams to have nine substitutes on the bench in the competition. Therefore, there won't be enough room for everyone.

Indeed, it'll be a difficult decision for Klopp. He'll be dreading informing the unlucky duo they'll be surplus to requirements.

But that's what comes with having a near fully-fit roster - and one that's the strongest it's ever been.

Who could miss out?

In truth, Joe Gomez may be unfortunate yet again.

The England international has dropped down the pecking order this season and is fourth-choice centre-back behind Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and summer signing Ibrahima Konate.

Gomez has made four appearances on the road to Wembley and it could argued he deserves a spot.

But the defender did not start either leg of the semi-final against Arsenal, which is fairly telling.

Gomez also found himself back out of the match-day squad for the 6-0 victory over Leeds United, having played at right-back in Saturday's 3-1 defeat of Norwich City. That's another sizeable clue.

Harvey Elliott was the other player to miss out against Leeds, which took some by surprise.

The youngster has made three outings since recovering from the horrific ankle injury he suffered in September - as well as being an unused sub on two occasions.

Elliott could suffer the same fate as he did earlier this week.

However, he is a potent option to have from the bench and can play in both attacking-midfield and wide roles. That will come into Klopp's thought process.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones was omitted from the previous three squads before unexpectedly returning to the starting line-up against Leeds.

The homegrown midfielder's influence blossomed as the game wore on and his efforts were given a standing ovation by Kopites when he was replaced by Thiago Alcantara in the second half.

That performance might be enough to warrant Jones a berth on the bench. Jordan Henderson is likely to come back into the starting XI in his place.

Takumi Minamino has plundered four goals in five Carabao Cup games this term. Divock Origi has bagged twice in as many matches. The pair are a key reason why Liverpool are at Wembley.

But for the vast majority of the season, Minamino and Origi have been peripherical figures in Klopp's squad.

With Firmino absent, Origi might just get the nod as he's an additional striking option.

Klopp could even be mulling over leaving another midfielder out instead of Jones or Elliott.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have struggled for consistency this term. At times, they have impressed but both of their respective up-and-down seasons were typified with lacklustre performances against Norwich.

Adrian is the other senior player who'll again miss out.

The third-choice goalkeeper is highly likely to travel to Wembley in case Caoimhin Kelleher - who's set to start - or Alisson Becker pick up an injury.

And if Jota is passed fit it will mean Klopp has to let another player down to accommodate the former Wolves forward.

It's the side of management that the German admits is the hardest.