Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur: Latest Team News Ahead of Semi-Final Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur: Carabao Cup Team News and Key Updates

As Liverpool prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, both sides are dealing with fitness concerns and last-minute squad adjustments. The Reds aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, while Spurs look to secure their spot in the final with a disciplined performance at Anfield.

New Arrivals in Contention for Spurs Debuts

Tottenham’s latest signings, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, could be set for immediate involvement. Both players joined Spurs on loan shortly before the transfer window closed, and manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed their availability for the trip to Merseyside.

“Obviously Kevin and Mathys are both available. They’ve trained and are cleared to play, so that’s all good,” said Postecoglou.

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However, Tottenham remain cautious regarding the fitness of key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. While Van de Ven featured in Spurs’ recent friendly against Elfsborg, his manager believes he is not yet ready for the physical intensity of a high-stakes clash.

“With Micky and Romero to a certain extent, I kind of feel like we’ve just got to be a bit more conservative with them,” Postecoglou explained. “Micky got through the [Elfsborg] game all right but I don’t think he feels he’s ready for that sort of step up to [the] Premier League, the intensity of it – same with Romero.”

In addition to their defensive concerns, Tottenham will be without several first-team players, including James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Radu Dragusin, Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, and Dominic Solanke.

Alexander-Arnold Absence Confirmed for Liverpool

For Liverpool, the main absentee is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who picked up a knock in the Reds’ recent 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. Manager Arne Slot provided an update on the right-back’s condition ahead of the match.

“I think you saw that he left the pitch with a bit of a pain in his leg, so that’s why he misses the game tomorrow,” Slot told reporters. “But he is already on the pitch, not with the team but with the rehab coach, so let’s see how long it is going to take. But he will not be available tomorrow.”

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Despite Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Liverpool have relatively few injury concerns, with the rest of their squad available for selection. Slot will be weighing up his options carefully, particularly given the importance of the fixture.

Goalkeeper Selection Yet to Be Revealed

Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper remains a closely guarded secret, as Slot refused to confirm who would take the gloves at Anfield. Alisson Becker started the first leg in London, while Caoimhin Kelleher was named on the bench. Given Kelleher’s reputation as a reliable option in cup competitions, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him feature.

Cody Gakpo and Jarell Quansah have been ever-presents in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup run this season, starting all four of their fixtures. They could retain their places as the Reds look to put in a stronger performance than they did in the first leg.

“If you reach the semi-final against Tottenham, you know it’s going to be a difficult one,” Slot admitted. “But I think we will be better than the last time as well.”

Photo: IMAGO

Recent Form Heading into the Clash

Both sides come into this semi-final with confidence after securing 2-0 victories in their most recent league outings. Liverpool saw off Bournemouth thanks to goals from Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota, while Tottenham claimed an important win over Brentford.

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Liverpool know they must be more clinical in front of goal if they are to overturn Tottenham’s slender lead, while Spurs will look to remain defensively resolute in what is expected to be an intense battle at Anfield.