Liverpool vs Tottenham: League Cup Injury News & Lineups
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Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Tuesday, 15 September in the League Cup Round of 32. With both clubs enduring stuttering starts to their respective domestic campaigns and managing extensive casualty lists, this 61,276-capacity arena will witness heavily altered sides desperate to find a spark.
Extensive Injury Lists for Both Sides
Between them, Andoni Iraola and Roberto De Zerbi could be missing up to 11 first-team players. Tottenham travel without new signing Sandro Tonali, who picked up a knock following their goalless draw with Everton. Pedro Porro continues to struggle with a muscular issue, while long-term absentees Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, and Dejan Kulusevski remain unavailable.
For the hosts, defensive options are severely depleted. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined with knee injuries, while forwards Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike will play no part. Cody Gakpo, who managed 30 minutes against Fulham, is carrying a groin issue and is highly unlikely to be risked against the club that heavily pursued him in the summer transfer window.
Iraola and De Zerbi Look to Youth and Fringe Players
With the physical demands of Iraola’s system taking their toll, the Liverpool boss admitted his squad suffered from a "lack of freshness" over the weekend. As a result, Giorgi Mamardashvili is confirmed to start in goal for his first competitive minutes of the season. Joe Gomez is also fit and available after returning to training, while highly-rated youngsters Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, and Rio Ngumoha are pushing for starts.
De Zerbi is grappling with a similar selection headache. Despite Spurs failing to score in their opening four league matches, the Italian intends to rotate his starting XI. Martin Dúbravka and Tosin Adarabioyo are expected to feature from the first whistle, while Destiny Udogie is fit to return after being left out against Everton as a precaution.
Robertson's Anfield Return and Richarlison's Absence
One major storyline is the likely inclusion of Andy Robertson. The former Liverpool fullback could line up for the visitors on his old stomping ground, with De Zerbi carefully managing the minutes of his other defensive options.
However, Tottenham will not be calling upon Richarlison. Despite boasting six career goals against Liverpool—the joint-most he has managed against any opponent—the Brazilian has been completely frozen out of the squad after failing to secure a summer transfer away from north London. Spurs have not won at Anfield in 15 years, and they must overcome that historical hurdle without a player who typically thrives in this specific fixture.
A victory on Tuesday would book a spot in the fourth round and provide a much-needed morale boost. The losing manager, however, will be left with no choice but to immediately redirect all focus toward reviving their sluggish Premier League campaign.
