Liverpool v Tottenham: Huge injury boost ahead of EFL Cup tie, now confirmed
Arne Slot has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold will not feature for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham.
Spurs travel to Anfield on Thursday (6 February) for a chance to reach the Carabao Cup final after claiming a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the first leg on 8 January.
However, Tottenham have received a massive boost heading into the tie after Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday (5 February) that he will be without his vice-captain.
He said: “He is going to miss tomorrow, and we have to see if he can play Sunday, but he is not available tomorrow.
“I think you saw he left the pitch with a bit of a pain in his leg, so that is why he misses tomorrow. He is already on the pitch with the rehab coach, let’s see how long it takes.”
Tottenham have chance to reach Carabao Cup final
Ange Postecoglou eased the ever-growing pressure on his Tottenham future after claiming his first Premier League victory since 15 December in the 2-0 win against Brentford on Sunday (2 February).
A place in the Carabao Cup final to face either North London rivals Arsenal or Newcastle United would undoubtedly secure his position.
With Spurs rooted in the bottom half of the table in February, this season’s last hope of domestic success rests in the cup competitions.
The Lilywhites hold the advantage heading into the second leg after Stuart Atwell’s “very poor decision” not to send off Lucas Bergvall for a second yellow card offence worked in their favour – the midfielder scored the match-winner only minutes later.
However, on 22 December, Liverpool travelled to North London in the Premier League and scored six goals past Fraser Forster, resulting in a 6-3 loss for Postecoglou.
Slot’s men have been the best side in Europe this season, and Anfield is one of the most notorious grounds to travel to – it will not be easy for Spurs to keep the hosts at bay for the 90 minutes.
Nevertheless, an early Tottenham goal could turn the tie on its head and see the visitors reach their first final since 2021, and the absence of Alexander-Arnold certainly boosts their chances.
In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy was scolded live on air as a “rubbish” Spurs claim is made.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.