Tottenham's Injury Woes Ahead of Anfield Clash
Tottenham will head to Anfield on Tuesday night patched up, short of rhythm and without several of their biggest names, as their Carabao Cup campaign collides with a growing injury list and a simmering stand-off.
Roberto De Zerbi has lost Sandro Tonali and Pedro Porro to injury on the eve of the third-round tie, stripping more quality from a squad already searching for sharpness after a stuttering start to the season.
Spurs have drawn back-to-back 0-0s against Nottingham Forest and Everton. Now they chase a result at a stadium where they have not won for 15 years. The timing could hardly be worse.
Tonali and Porro ruled out
De Zerbi confirmed Tonali will play no part at Anfield after picking up a minor knock in the goalless draw with Everton. The Italy international, a key part of Spurs’ midfield rebuild, adds to a lengthening list of absentees.
Porro also misses out. The right-back is still struggling with the muscular problem that sidelined him at the weekend and has not recovered in time to travel.
There is at least one boost. Destiny Udogie returns after being left out against Everton as a precaution, and is expected to slot straight back into the starting XI.
Richarlison frozen out
If injuries have hurt Tottenham, the Richarlison situation has cast a shadow.
The Brazilian is eligible to play in the Carabao Cup, but remains completely out of De Zerbi’s plans after failing to secure a move away in the summer. Left out of the Premier League squad, he finds himself in limbo, training but not trusted, available but unwanted.
Richarlison pushed to leave in the final days of the transfer window, and Spurs were open to a deal, yet no agreement arrived. Nothing has changed since.
Asked if the forward could be involved at Liverpool, De Zerbi was blunt. He confirmed Richarlison will not travel to Merseyside and repeated that the stance is the same across all competitions.
Dejan Kulusevski, out long-term, is also still unavailable. “No, Kulusevski not available. Pedro is still not available. Udogie yes. Richarlison, you already know everything, nothing changed for the Carabao Cup or Premier League. The situation is the same,” De Zerbi said on Monday.
Rotation and selection headaches
Spurs are expected to rotate at Anfield, but De Zerbi is walking a tightrope. He must decide how many first-choice players to risk while several regulars still search for full match fitness.
Among those not yet at peak level are Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher and Mohammed Kudus. All three need minutes. All three also need managing carefully.
That balance could open the door for academy winger Luca Williams-Barnett. De Zerbi admitted the youngster is in contention for some involvement, if only in a cameo role.
“I don't know, Luca. We have to see because many players need to play. Maybe not 90 minutes, 90 minutes, but 30 minutes a real game is important. Yes, there is not Sandro Tonali. I forgot to say because he felt a knock,” the Italian explained.
How Spurs could line up
Despite the absentees, Tottenham are still likely to field a strong core in an attempt to finally crack Anfield.
Predicted XI: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kudus, Solanke, Marmoush.
Out are Simons, Odobert, Kulusevski, Tonali, Porro and Mudryk through injury, with Richarlison again unavailable by choice rather than fitness.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, live from Anfield on Sky Sports and ITV.
A bruised squad, a hostile ground, a 15-year wait. If Spurs are going to reset their season, there are few fiercer places to start than here.
