Four Liverpool Players Set to Miss Tottenham Hotspur Semi-Final Due to Carabao Cup Regulation

Arne Slot has acknowledged that one decision will be the most difficult for him to make.

It’s not about deciding between Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for the left-back spot as Liverpool aim to reach Wembley again. Nor is it about whether Caoimhin Kelleher, who has played a key role in the team’s past two Carabao Cup victories, will have to sit out in the semi-final second leg.

Instead, as Liverpool look to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham Hotspur, Slot’s toughest decision will be determining who will have to miss out on the match entirely, even though they’ve been part of the build-up.

Slot’s stance

The only player unavailable for selection is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is sidelined due to injury. However, his issue is not serious, and the Reds’ vice-captain has already begun individual training after being substituted in last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Bournemouth.

With that in mind, Liverpool have 23 senior players available for the Spurs match, but only 20 can be chosen. Just nine substitutes are allowed, in line with Premier League and FA Cup regulations, though Slot wishes the rule would align with UEFA’s standards.

“I don’t understand why we don’t go to 23 in this country because this country plays the most games everywhere around the world and we only have 20 players that we can take to the games,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference. “Since it is the rule over here that is probably going to be the most difficult decision I have to make – not the first XI, but to leave someone out that worked so hard on a daily basis, that wants to be involved in the game as well. Not even taking him to the game, that’s the hardest decision for me to make.”

Decisions to make

Having so many available players is a rare luxury for Slot. Spurs’ manager, Ange Postecoglou, will likely envy the Liverpool manager’s situation, given the long injury list at the North London club.

First, third-choice goalkeeper Viteslav Jaros will not be needed. He impressed during a Carabao Cup fourth-round win at Brighton when given a chance.

Tyler Morton, who has played just five times this season, will also likely be left out. Three of his appearances were in the competition, and although there were rumors of him leaving for Middlesbrough on deadline day, their offer fell short. Despite loan interest from the Championship, James McConnell, who was kept at Anfield to provide cover and competition, will also probably miss out.

Another intriguing decision for Slot will concern three players: Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, and Federico Chiesa. Both Gomez and Chiesa were left out of the squad against Bournemouth. Gomez has returned from a hamstring injury, while Chiesa played his first full 90 minutes in the 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last week.

Gomez, who can play as a right-back, could step in for Alexander-Arnold, but with Liverpool needing a turnaround, Slot might choose to strengthen the attack by recalling Chiesa. Quansah could be left out, although that would be tough for him given he has started all four Carabao Cup matches so far.

Slot won’t enjoy having to inform the unfortunate players who won’t make the cut. Not at all. But that’s the nature of being a manager.