Joe Gomez Set for Liverpool Return in Carabao Cup Tie

Joe Gomez is finally ready to pull a red shirt back on. After a stop–start pre-season derailed by a muscle strain, the Liverpool defender has been cleared to return in time for tonight’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola confirmed the news on Monday, offering a timely boost to a back line that has had to cope without the England international since the summer.

“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 start under the lights.

Gomez’s comeback will not be the only tweak. Far from it.

Iraola ready to rotate

Iraola has signalled that this will be a night for fresh faces and fringe players, a chance to test the depth of his squad in a competition Liverpool have traditionally taken seriously.

“We will see tomorrow players we haven't seen,” he hinted, a clear nod toward those who have spent the early weeks of the campaign watching from the bench.

That line will have pricked up the ears of Wataru Endo. The Japan midfielder has been in every matchday squad but has yet to step onto the pitch this season, restricted to the role of unused substitute. The Carabao Cup often acts as a gateway for players in his position: trusted enough to be close, waiting for the right night to be unleashed. This could be it.

Rio Ngumoha is another name pushing to be involved from the start. The youngster impressed in a second-half outing against Fulham, showing enough energy and composure to suggest he can handle a bigger stage. Tonight’s tie offers exactly that.

Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also in the frame. Both have tasted senior action in recent weeks as substitutes, both now stand on the brink of their first starts of the campaign. For them, the Carabao Cup is not a distraction; it is an opening.

Balancing youth and experience

The temptation to flood the XI with academy graduates will be strong, yet Iraola also has reasons to lean on players who need rhythm as much as the kids need opportunity.

Bradley Barcola fits that category. The forward is in line for what would be his third start in a week, a clear sign of the manager’s determination to accelerate his adaptation. If Iraola wants sharper combinations in the final third and more minutes in Barcola’s legs, the Frenchman is likely to feature again.

Up front, the options are thinner.

With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined, Alexander Isak stands as Liverpool’s only senior out-and-out striker. The Swede’s workload will be a consideration, but his presence offers a focal point if Iraola decides he cannot risk an early exit.

Cody Gakpo provides the alternative. The Dutchman can operate through the middle and has done so with success before, giving Liverpool the flexibility to rest Isak or adjust shape without sacrificing threat.

Gomez’s return, the promise of debuts, Barcola’s growing role, and a delicate balancing act in attack: for a third-round tie, there is plenty in play. Anfield will find out soon enough who grabs the chance.