Liverpool head into Tuesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Tottenham facing a potentially important night for squad rotation, with several players still recovering from injuries and Joe Gomez among those closest to a return.
The Reds were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Fulham at the weekend, a result that highlighted the need for Andoni Iraola to manage his squad carefully as Liverpool prepare for another demanding stretch of fixtures.
Gomez could be one of the players involved in that rotation, having returned to training last week, although his absence from the matchday squad against Fulham means his availability for Tottenham remains uncertain.
Iraola is expected to address Gomez’s situation during his pre-match press conference, with the Liverpool boss likely to provide a clearer indication of whether the defender is ready to return to competitive action.
The potential return of Gomez would be particularly useful for Liverpool given the number of fixtures arriving in quick succession, even if Iraola chooses to manage his minutes rather than immediately restore him to the starting lineup.
Joe Gomez Among Those Nearing a Return
Gomez has already taken a significant step forward by returning to training, but Liverpool’s decision not to include him on the bench against Fulham suggests the club is still taking a cautious approach to his recovery.
That could mean the Tottenham match arrives slightly too early for a full return, although the Carabao Cup provides Iraola with an obvious opportunity to introduce players who need minutes.
Liverpool will also have to consider the wider fixture schedule, with a trip to Bournemouth coming this weekend before the September international break provides another important recovery window.
Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni are both expected to return to training during that international break, giving Liverpool the possibility of adding further depth after the upcoming Bournemouth fixture.
Their returns would provide Iraola with additional options at a time when Liverpool’s squad is already being tested by the combination of domestic and European commitments.
Hugo Ekitike Timeline Offers Liverpool Hope
The most intriguing injury update concerns Hugo Ekitike, whose Achilles problem means his recovery is expected to take considerably longer than Gomez’s.
Iraola was clear that Ekitike remains some distance from a return, emphasizing that the striker still has a significant portion of his rehabilitation ahead of him.
However, Liverpool have already considered a potential timeline for Ekitike’s comeback, and there is genuine hope that he could contribute during the closing stages of the European group campaign.
Iraola explained that Liverpool’s medical staff discussed Ekitike’s situation when the club completed its European squad registration, with the possibility of using him during the final two group-stage matches.
The Liverpool manager stressed that the timeline remains uncertain because Ekitike is dealing with a long-term injury, meaning his rehabilitation must progress significantly before any firm return date can be established.
Still, the fact that Liverpool believe there is a realistic possibility of Ekitike helping the team in January provides an important positive development.
Iraola’s comments suggest the club is not rushing the forward, but Liverpool also do not want to completely rule out his involvement if his recovery progresses better than expected.
For now, January should be viewed as a hopeful target rather than a guaranteed return date, with Ekitike still needing to complete substantial rehabilitation before Liverpool can make a definitive decision.
Conor Bradley Still Has Longer Road Ahead
While Gomez appears to be moving closer to availability, Conor Bradley remains sidelined for some time yet, meaning Liverpool will have to continue managing their options at full-back.
Bradley’s absence adds another layer to Iraola’s selection decisions, particularly with the Carabao Cup offering an opportunity to rotate established players and give younger members of the squad meaningful minutes.
The upcoming Tottenham fixture could therefore provide valuable opportunities for players who have been waiting for more substantial involvement under the new Liverpool manager.
Trey Nyoni Could Be Given His Chance
One player who could benefit from the rotation is Trey Nyoni, the young midfielder who has already made several appearances from the bench but has yet to start a match this season.
Iraola has previously praised Nyoni’s ability on the ball, his composure under pressure and his understanding of situations, while also highlighting the work being done to improve his contribution without possession.
The Liverpool boss has particularly focused on Nyoni’s development in pressing situations and defensive work, areas that will be important if the teenager is given a starting opportunity.
Iraola also believes Nyoni possesses the confidence required to demand possession even when opponents are applying pressure, something that could become a major asset as Liverpool attempt to control games from midfield.
His willingness to receive the ball in difficult situations is particularly valuable for a young player, and Iraola’s comments indicate that Liverpool are encouraging him to be more ambitious with his passing.
The Tottenham game could therefore represent an important moment for Nyoni, particularly if Iraola decides that Liverpool need fresh legs after the disappointing Fulham draw.
Liverpool Need Fringe Players to Step Up
Liverpool’s injury list is not overwhelmingly long, but the squad is still relatively light in terms of available numbers, making every returning player increasingly significant.
The Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham could consequently become more than simply another knockout fixture, with Iraola needing fringe players to demonstrate that they can handle increased responsibility.
Gomez’s potential return, the expected progress of Chiesa and Leoni, and the longer-term optimism surrounding Ekitike could gradually strengthen Liverpool’s options.
For now, however, Iraola must work with the players available and find a way to keep Liverpool competitive while avoiding unnecessary risks with those still completing their recoveries.
Gomez is the immediate injury situation to watch, while Ekitike represents the longer-term storyline, with January emerging as the earliest realistic window for the striker to potentially make his return.
Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested again against Tottenham, and the performances of players such as Nyoni could prove just as important as the eventual return dates of those currently on the treatment table.