Joe Gomez Returns for Liverpool in Carabao Cup Clash Against Tottenham
Joe Gomez is set to pull a Liverpool shirt back on at last, with the defender cleared for a return in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham at Anfield.
The England international has not played a single minute this season after suffering a muscle strain in pre-season, but Andoni Iraola has confirmed the 27-year-old is back in the frame for the third-round tie.
“Joe is training with the team and is available for tomorrow. It's a matter of deciding how much he can play,” the Liverpool manager said on Monday, leaving the door open to anything from a cautious cameo to a full-blooded start.
Iraola ready to shuffle his pack
Gomez will not be the only fresh face.
Iraola has already signposted rotation, hinting that this will be a night for new and rarely seen names to step out under the lights.
“We will see tomorrow players we haven't seen,” he teased, a clear signal that the Carabao Cup will be used to spread minutes across his squad.
That could finally open the door for Wataru Endo. The Japan midfielder has been stuck on the fringes so far, present on the bench but yet to step onto the pitch this season. A cup tie at home, with the manager promising changes, feels like the perfect stage for his first real involvement.
Youngsters pushing for starts
The academy contingent is also queuing up.
Rio Ngumoha, who impressed after coming on in the second half against Fulham, looks a strong candidate to start. His brief cameo at the weekend injected energy and direct running, and he has done enough to force himself into the conversation for more serious minutes.
Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also in contention. Both youngsters have had recent substitute roles and could now be trusted from the first whistle as Iraola weighs up how far to lean into youth without unbalancing the side.
If the Liverpool boss decides to tilt the other way and lean on experience, one name stands out.
Barcola, Isak and the attacking puzzle
Bradley Barcola is pushing hard for yet more game time. The forward could be handed a third start in the space of a week if Iraola wants continuity and sharper rhythm from one of his newer signings. His inclusion would underline that this is not just a developmental exercise, but a competition Liverpool are taking seriously.
Up front, the options are thinner.
With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined through injury, Alexander Isak is the only senior out-and-out striker available. That reality will shape the team sheet. Isak may be asked to lead the line again, or Iraola could turn to Cody Gakpo in the middle, using the Dutchman’s versatility to manage workloads and keep his lone recognised centre-forward fresh.
Either way, Anfield will see a different Liverpool tonight: Gomez back in red, hungry youngsters chasing a breakthrough, and a manager trying to balance opportunity with ambition in a cup they will quietly believe they can win.
