Tottenham vs Liverpool: Injury Woes and Key Selection Decisions | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midweek Test at Tottenham: Key Team News and Selection Dilemmas

As Liverpool prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, manager Arne Slot provided an update on his squad’s fitness and availability during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. With both sides grappling with key absences, the clash promises to be a stern test of depth and tactical nous.

Midfield Concerns for Liverpool

Illness has disrupted Liverpool’s preparations, particularly in midfield. A key player missed the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, and Arne Slot shed light on his availability. “Yesterday he wasn’t in [training] yet. If he’s in today, I would doubt if he’s available to start the game,” Slot revealed.

Photo: IMAGO

“But hopefully he’s in today. Yesterday he wasn’t.”

Liverpool’s midfield has been a point of scrutiny in recent weeks, with injuries and suspensions forcing Slot to shuffle his options. The absence of Joe Gomez due to a hamstring injury adds further complexity to Liverpool’s defensive setup. Gomez’s versatility has often been a key asset, and his absence leaves a void that could prove challenging to fill.

Caoimhin Kelleher, often a dependable figure in cup competitions, is expected to start between the posts. However, Slot was coy about confirming his selection. When asked about his goalkeeper choice, he remarked, “I think I decided the whole line-up already but, in many ways, people [journalists in the press conference] have tried to get to know what the line-up is!”

Tactical Adjustments and Line-Up Uncertainty

Slot’s reluctance to reveal his hand is understandable, given the importance of this fixture. He emphasised the intricacies involved in team selection, particularly with the frequency of fixtures this season.

“I said many times that there are many things going into a line-up and that is the same for tomorrow again… if you ask me after the game I am more than happy to answer those questions, but first of all I think the players should know how we are going to play and if all of them are available, that is also something we have to find out,” Slot stated.

The Dutchman’s measured approach highlights the challenges of managing a squad through a demanding campaign. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, balancing squad rotation with maintaining rhythm has been a delicate task.

When questioned about his rotation policy, Slot elaborated: “I think if you look at all the fixtures we’ve had this season, there are so many things going into a line-up – short term, long term, qualities of the opponent, where are my players [at]?”

Slot’s pragmatism has been a hallmark of his tenure at Anfield. He has shown a willingness to adapt his tactics to suit the opposition while ensuring his players remain fresh for the crucial stages of the season.

Tottenham’s Selection Headaches

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou also addressed the media on Tuesday, providing insights into his team’s preparations. The Australian manager confirmed that new signing Antonin Kinsky is available for selection but stopped short of revealing his starting goalkeeper.

Photo: IMAGO

“We’ll see,” Postecoglou said, when asked if the 21-year-old stopper will make his Spurs debut on Wednesday. “He obviously arrived Sunday, he’s had a couple of days of training and he’s registered and eligible to play. We’ve still got to do a couple of final things with him and then we’ll see.”

Tottenham’s squad remains stretched by injuries and suspensions. Key players like James Maddison and Pape Sarr are unavailable due to suspension, while Ben Davies, Richarlison, and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined.

“We’ll get [Rodrigo] Bentancur back but we lose Maddison and Sarr by suspension so we are a couple of numbers down there,” Postecoglou noted. “And in terms of the injuries, no-one is back. Mikey [Moore] potentially could be available to be on the bench.”

The Tactical Battle Ahead

Both managers are acutely aware of the significance of this encounter. Postecoglou acknowledged the challenge posed by Liverpool, describing them as “the standout team so far this year in all competitions.”

“We’ve got an opponent who has been the standout team so far this year in all competitions. Irrespective of how you play, you realise there is a second leg to be played but that doesn’t change our approach for tomorrow,” Postecoglou said.

“We’re at home and when it’s a two-legged affair, if you can get some kind of advantage in your home game that sets you up pretty well so that’s what we’ll try to do. They are a top side. They’re really settled, I think they have got just about everyone fit and healthy. They can rotate players so they’re in a good moment and it will be a great challenge for us.”

The tactical battle between Slot and Postecoglou will be intriguing to watch. Slot’s Liverpool have showcased an aggressive, high-pressing style, while Postecoglou’s Spurs have embraced a more possession-based approach.

Liverpool’s recent 6-3 triumph at the same venue in the Premier League will undoubtedly be fresh in the minds of both sets of players. However, cup competitions often bring a different intensity and unpredictability.

Key Players to Watch

For Liverpool, the performances of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will be pivotal. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to dictate play from deep positions and Van Dijk’s leadership at the back are crucial to Slot’s game plan.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will look to Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur to provide creativity and control in midfield. Kulusevski, despite being under the weather earlier in the week, is expected to feature prominently.

As both teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the focus will be on who can manage the game’s tempo and capitalise on key moments. With the second leg at Anfield looming, both managers will be keen to gain an early advantage.