Joe Gomez Returns for Liverpool's Carabao Cup Clash Against Tottenham

Joe Gomez is back. And just in time for a cup night under the Anfield lights.

The England defender has been passed fit for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham on Tuesday, ending a frustrating spell on the sidelines after a muscle strain picked up in July. He has yet to play a minute this season, but Andoni Iraola confirmed the 27-year-old is now in contention.

“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.

Mamardashvili to start, Alisson rested

There will be a change in goal. Giorgi Mamardashvili has been handed the gloves, with Alisson Becker dropping out of the firing line for the cup clash.

That tweak is only the start. Iraola hinted strongly at a rotated side and the prospect of some fresh faces on show.

“We will see tomorrow players we haven't seen,” he said, flagging what could be a significant night for several squad players and academy products.

Endo waits, kids push forward

One of those hoping the manager’s words turn into minutes is Wataru Endo. The Japan international has been stuck on the bench so far this season, an unused substitute waiting for his first competitive action of the campaign. A domestic cup tie at Anfield feels like the obvious opening.

There is a clearer path for Rio Ngumoha. The young attacker came on in the second half against Fulham and did enough to put himself in the frame for a starting role against Spurs. His energy and directness could give Iraola something different between the lines.

Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also pushing. Both have had recent outings from the bench and could be rewarded with first starts of the season if Iraola leans fully into youth and rotation for this tie.

Experience vs opportunity

The equation is simple: minutes for youngsters, or rhythm for senior signings. If Iraola decides he wants more experience and continuity, Bradley Barcola stands ready to go again. The forward is in line for what would be a third start in seven days, a clear sign of trust if he gets the nod.

Up front, options are thinner. With Hugo Ekitike still out injured, Alexander Isak remains Liverpool’s only fit senior centre-forward. Cody Gakpo can operate through the middle and offers flexibility, but Isak is the natural focal point if Iraola fields something close to a full-strength attack.

At right-back, Conor Bradley will not feature. The Northern Ireland international is still on the comeback trail after knee surgery, though there is encouragement: Iraola confirmed Bradley has now started working with the ball again in training.

How Liverpool could line up

A 4-2-3-1 shape is expected, with changes sprinkled across the pitch:

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Endo; Ngumoha, Nyoni, Munoz; Isak

Injured: Ekitike, Leoni, Bradley, Chiesa

Anfield. A cup tie under the lights. Kick-off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

For Gomez, Endo and a clutch of hungry youngsters, it feels less like a routine third-round game and more like a chance to redraw the pecking order.