Joe Gomez Returns for Liverpool's Carabao Cup Clash Against Tottenham
Joe Gomez has been passed fit for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham on Tuesday night, handing Andoni Iraola a timely defensive boost for the third-round clash at Anfield.
The England international has not played a single minute this season after suffering a muscle strain in July, but his wait looks set to end. Iraola confirmed on Monday that Gomez is back in full training and 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 boss said, leaving the door open to either a cautious reintroduction or a full-blooded return.
Mamardashvili to Start, Alisson Rested
There will be a change in goal. Giorgi Mamardashvili has been told he will start, with Alisson Becker making way for the cup tie. It is a clear sign that Iraola wants his new goalkeeper properly tested under the Anfield lights.
And that is only the start of the rotation.
The Spaniard hinted at a broader shake-up, teasing: “We will see tomorrow players we haven't seen.” For some of Liverpool’s fringe names and academy prospects, this is the window they have been waiting for.
Door Opens for Endo and the Kids
One of those is Wataru Endo. The Japanese midfielder has been stuck on the bench so far this season, an unused substitute watching others clock up the minutes. The Carabao Cup often acts as a proving ground; this tie feels tailor-made for his first real involvement.
Rio Ngumoha is another likely beneficiary. The youngster came off the bench against Fulham and impressed enough to push himself into the frame for a starting role against Spurs.
Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also in the conversation. Both have had recent substitute appearances, both are highly regarded, and both could be handed their first starts of the campaign if Iraola leans into youth.
If he doesn’t, there is a different route.
Barcola, Isak and the Senior Spine
Should Iraola decide that this is a night for rhythm rather than experimentation, Bradley Barcola stands ready. The forward could be in line for a third start in the space of a week as Liverpool look to maintain momentum while also bedding in their newer faces.
Up front, options are thinner. With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined, Alexander Isak is the only senior centre-forward fully available. He is expected to lead the line again, though Cody Gakpo offers an alternative through the middle if Iraola wants to shuffle his pack during the game.
At right-back, there is no Conor Bradley. The Northern Ireland international will not feature, although there is some encouragement: he has started working with the ball again after knee surgery, a small but important step on his road back.
How Liverpool Could Line Up
Iraola is likely to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 shape, even with the changes. The predicted XI leans heavily on a blend of established stars and hungry hopefuls:
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.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Anfield.
A rotated side, a returning Gomez, and a sprinkling of youth against top-level opposition — exactly the kind of night that can reshape a season.
