This Saturday's Premier League encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool is set to be heavily influenced by a significant injury crisis affecting both camps. As the teams prepare for a crucial match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a combined total of thirteen players have been ruled out, with a further two considered major doubts.
Liverpool's Squad Setback
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces considerable selection headaches ahead of the trip to north London. The Reds will be without several key figures, with the most notable absentee being Mohamed Salah, who is away representing Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.
Further depleting Liverpool's attacking options, Cody Gakpo is sidelined until the new year with a muscular injury. In midfield, Wataru Endo is also out with an ankle problem. Slot confirmed both injuries would keep the players out for weeks.
Defender Joe Gomez is almost certainly unavailable after suffering a muscle issue, with Slot stating he "would not expect him to be in the squad." There is a glimmer of hope regarding Dominik Szoboszlai, who remains a doubt but has not been completely ruled out by his manager.
The only potential returnee for the visitors is Jeremie Frimpong, who has been building fitness after a hamstring injury and could be involved in some capacity.
Tottenham's Lengthy Absence List
For Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, the situation is arguably even more severe. Like Salah, Pape Matar Sarr is unavailable due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations with Senegal.
The defensive line has been hit hard. Destiny Udogie is confirmed out until January with a hamstring injury picked up against Newcastle. Radu Dragusin is also not expected back for another week or two, though he recently featured in a friendly for the U21s to step up his fitness.
In attack, Dominic Solanke is back in individual training but not yet ready for first-team action, while Dejan Kulusevski is closing in on a return but is not expected back until late December. Yves Bissouma remains out with a knee ligament injury suffered in October and is also dealing with an internal club matter.
The long-term casualties include Geovanni Leoni with a serious knee injury and James Maddison, who is out for much, if not all, of the season following ACL surgery. Youngster Kota Takai is back in training but needs time to build match fitness after a long spell out.
Match Context and Implications
This fixture pits two sides eager to improve their standing in the Premier League. Tottenham's preparations have been hampered by a disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, a result that increased the pressure on manager Thomas Frank.
Liverpool, in contrast, arrive with some momentum after a much-needed victory over Brighton, a result that moved them to within two points of the Champions League places.
The sheer volume of absentees will force both managers to delve deep into their squads and could lead to unexpected tactical setups. The outcome of this match may well be decided by which team best copes with the disruption caused by this extensive injury list.
