Ange Postecoglou in James Maddison blow in Tottenham XI v Liverpool

Ange Postecoglou could be disappointed to be without James Maddison as Tottenham face Liverpool on Wednesday.

Spurs will want to kick off the first leg of the League Cup semi-final with a positive result against Arne Slot's side on 8 January.

After losing 2-1 against Newcastle United last time out (4 January), Postecoglou will be especially keen to take a step towards a first cup final at Wembley.

The Australian will have to do so without a whole host of first-team stars with Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie who are absent again through injury.

With multiple key players unavailable, it may be damaging to be without Maddison, confirmed via Spurs’ official X account (8 January).

James Maddison misses out in Tottenham XI v Liverpool

The England international won't have the chance to impress against the Reds due to suspension after a positive substitute showing last time out.

The 28-year-old came on with 28 minutes remaining and the attacking midfielder was able to clock up 38 touches and maintain a 94 per cent pass accuracy [FotMob].

This saw the former Leicester City man complete three long passes with a 75 per cent accuracy and also completed six passes into the final third.

Maddison also won one duel and was fouled once, just adding to a largely performance despite the result not going the way of the home side in the end.

With Dejan Kulusevski starting, the ex-Norwich man would have represented an ideal impact sub although there is no doubt that he would be useful from the start.

Liverpool will be a tough side to beat and Spurs need all the quality they need to pick up a positive result.

In other Tottenham news, a deal could be sealed for a January transfer after a brand new Celtic reveal.

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