Joe Gomez Cleared for Liverpool Return in Carabao Cup

Joe Gomez is finally ready. After a summer stalled by a muscle strain and weeks of watching from the sidelines, the England defender has been passed fit for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Andoni Iraola confirmed the news on Monday, offering a timely boost to a back line that has already carried a heavy workload this season.

“Joe is training with the team and is available for tomorrow. It's a matter of deciding how much he can play,” the Liverpool manager said, leaving the door open for anything from a cautious cameo to a full-blooded return.

Mamardashvili in, changes coming

One decision is already made. Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal, with Alisson Becker stepping aside for the cup tie.

That call sets the tone. This will not be a copy-and-paste of Liverpool’s league XI.

Iraola has openly hinted at rotation, teasing that “we will see tomorrow players we haven't seen”. For several members of the squad, that sounds like an invitation.

Wataru Endo sits near the front of that queue. The Japan international has been an unused substitute so far this season, waiting patiently for a first competitive minute. A reshuffled cup side finally gives him a realistic route onto the pitch, and the holding role in a 4-2-3-1 looks made for his game.

Door opens for Liverpool’s kids

The Carabao Cup has long been Liverpool’s testing ground for emerging talent, and this season should be no different.

Rio Ngumoha is pushing hard for a start after his bright second-half appearance against Fulham. He injected energy and intent off the bench; now he has a real chance to show it from the first whistle.

Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also in the frame. Both youngsters have been eased in with substitute roles, but a home tie in the cup offers a softer landing for first starts of the campaign. If Iraola follows through on his hints, Anfield could see a bold, youthful attacking line behind the striker.

There is, however, a balancing act.

If the manager leans towards experience and wants to keep rhythm in his senior recruits, Bradley Barcola is poised to feature again. The forward is in line for what would be a third start in a week, a clear sign of trust and a chance to sharpen his understanding with the rest of the front line.

Isak leads the line, injuries bite

Up front, the options are thinner. With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined, Alexander Isak stands as Liverpool’s only senior out-and-out striker available for selection.

He is expected to spearhead the attack, though Cody Gakpo offers a flexible alternative through the middle if Iraola wants to shuffle his pieces mid-game or protect Isak’s minutes.

Conor Bradley will not feature. The right-back remains out following knee surgery, though there is a sliver of encouragement: Iraola confirmed Bradley has now started working with the ball again as he edges along his recovery path.

The injury list stays significant: Ekitike, Leoni, Bradley and Federico Chiesa are all ruled out, trimming Liverpool’s options across the pitch.

How Liverpool could line up

All signs point towards a refreshed but competitive XI, with rotation framed as opportunity rather than risk.

A likely Liverpool lineup in a 4-2-3-1 shape:

• Mamardashvili;
• Frimpong, Araujo, van Dijk, Tsimikas;
• Mac Allister, Endo;
• Ngumoha, Nyoni, Munoz;
• Isak.

Kick-off is set for 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, under the Anfield lights.

For Gomez, Endo and a clutch of hungry youngsters, it feels less like a routine cup tie and more like a night to stake a claim in Iraola’s Liverpool.