Joe Gomez Set to Return for Liverpool in Carabao Cup Clash
Joe Gomez is set to pull on a Liverpool shirt again at last, with the defender cleared for a return in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham at Anfield.
The England international has not played a single competitive minute this season after suffering a muscle strain in pre-season, but Andoni Iraola confirmed the 27-year-old is back in the frame for the third-round tie.
“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 on Monday, leaving the door open for anything from a cautious cameo to a full-blooded start.
Rotation on the cards
Gomez will not be the only fresh face.
Iraola has already signposted changes, hinting that “we will see tomorrow players we haven't seen” as he looks to manage minutes and test his squad depth in the cup.
That could finally open the door for Wataru Endo. The Japan midfielder has been stuck on the fringes so far, named on the bench but yet to step onto the pitch this season. A rotated cup side offers exactly the sort of platform he needs to stake a claim.
The youth line is also ready to be tapped. Rio Ngumoha, who impressed off the bench in the second half against Fulham, appears a strong candidate to start. Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also in contention for their first starts of the campaign after recent substitute outings, with Iraola weighing the balance between blooding youngsters and leaning on experience.
Barcola, Barcola, Barcola?
If the coach leans towards seniority and wants to keep his newer arrivals sharp, Bradley Barcola could be handed yet another start. The forward is in line for what would be his third start in the space of a week, a clear sign of trust if his name appears on the teamsheet again.
Up front, the options are thinner.
With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined through injury, Alexander Isak stands as Liverpool’s only established senior centre-forward. Cody Gakpo can operate through the middle if required, offering Iraola some tactical flexibility, but the lack of depth at No 9 will shape how bold he dares to be with his rotation.
Gomez’s return, the kids pushing at the door, and a cup tie under the lights at Anfield. Iraola has decisions to make – and a squad eager to force his hand.
