Tottenham Hotspur will be without two key midfielders, James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr, for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool next month.
Both players received their second yellow cards of the tournament during Spurs’ thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
League Cup rules mandate a one-match suspension for players who accumulate two yellow cards in the competition. The timing could not be worse for Ange Postecoglou. His squad is already stretched thin due to an ongoing injury crisis.
With eight first-team players currently sidelined, including Richarlison, Ben Davies, and Rodrigo Bentancur, Tottenham’s depth will be put to the test.
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The semi-final’s first leg will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 7/8. And the decisive return leg is scheduled for February 4/5 at Anfield. Spurs fans will hope the trio of injured players will return in time to bolster the squad for this crucial tie.
Trouble for Tottenham: Maddison and Sarr out
Maddison and Sarr have been integral to Tottenham’s campaign so far. Maddison, one of the standout performers this season, boasts seven goals and five assists, while Sarr has been a midfield mainstay, appearing in every match.
Their absence will leave a significant void in the team’s creativity and defensive stability. This will present Postecoglou with a tactical headache against a Liverpool side currently brimming with confidence.
Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, are in sensational form this season. They sit atop the Premier League and Champions League tables. And reached the League Cup semi-finals after defeating Southampton with a rotated squad.
While Spurs battle injuries and suspensions, Liverpool’s squad is in relatively good shape, with only Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley sidelined. Speaking on Friday, Slot provided a cautious update on his injured players:
“They are on their way back but aren’t training with the team yet. It’s important they return fit and stay fit for the long term.”
The Reds and Spurs will also meet in the Premier League this Sunday. This will offer fans an exciting prelude to their January showdown. With Tottenham’s 16-year wait for a trophy hanging in the balance, the semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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