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 lights at Anfield.

The England defender has yet to play a minute this season after suffering a muscle strain in July, but Andoni Iraola confirmed Gomez is fit and available for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham on Tuesday.

“Joe is training with the team and is available for tomorrow. It's a matter of deciding how much he can play,” Iraola said on Monday, offering the clearest indication yet that the 27-year-old could finally step onto the pitch this campaign.

Mamardashvili to start as Iraola shuffles the pack

One change is already locked in. Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal, with Alisson Becker making way as Liverpool rotate for the cup.

That will not be the only tweak.

Iraola hinted strongly at a much-altered XI, teasing the prospect of fresh faces and fringe players stepping into the spotlight: “We will see tomorrow players we haven't seen.”

For Wataru Endo, that line might be exactly what he has been waiting for. The Japan international has been on the bench but has yet to feature this season. A rotated midfield in a domestic cup tie is the ideal opening for him to finally get minutes.

Youngsters pushing for their chance

Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also in the frame. Both have had recent substitute appearances, and this feels like the kind of night where academy products can be trusted from the first whistle, especially at home.

If Iraola leans the other way and leans on experience instead, Bradley Barcola is ready. The winger could make his third start in a week, a clear sign of how quickly he has climbed the pecking order since arriving.

Isak carries the load up front

In attack, the options are thinner.

With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined, Alexander Isak stands as Liverpool’s only senior out-and-out striker. The Swede is likely to lead the line again, though Cody Gakpo offers an alternative through the middle if Iraola chooses to manage Isak’s workload.

At right-back, Conor Bradley will not be involved. The Northern Ireland international has started ball work again after knee surgery, a positive step in his recovery, but this tie comes too soon for a return.

How Liverpool could line up

Iraola is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1, blending first-team regulars with players desperate for minutes:

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, where a rotated Liverpool side will try to turn opportunity into momentum in the Carabao Cup.