Tottenham Without Porro and Tonali for Carabao Cup Clash at Liverpool

Tottenham will travel to Anfield for their Carabao Cup tie without Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali, while Roberto De Zerbi has ruled out any return for Richarlison despite the forward being eligible for the competition.

Porro and Tonali miss Liverpool trip

Porro remains sidelined by the muscle problem that kept him out of Saturday’s goalless Premier League draw with Everton. Tonali also picked up an injury in that match and will not be available for the midweek fixture against Liverpool.

There is, however, a defensive boost for De Zerbi. Destiny Udogie is expected to be back in the matchday group after missing the Everton game. The Italy international’s return is timely with Porro absent from the opposite flank.

• Pedro Porro is continuing his recovery from a muscular injury.
• Sandro Tonali sustained a knock against Everton.
• Destiny Udogie is set to return after sitting out the 0-0 draw.

Richarlison remains outside De Zerbi’s plans

Richarlison was omitted from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad, but that registration decision did not prevent him from playing in the Carabao Cup. De Zerbi nevertheless confirmed that the Brazilian will not be selected for Liverpool.

The head coach said the player’s status had not changed between the league and cup competitions, adding that he could discuss on-pitch matters but not the wider issue surrounding the forward.

De Zerbi said he had tried to retain Richarlison at the beginning of the summer window by offering him a contract extension. The proposal was declined, and the manager indicated that he regarded his part in the process as complete.

Manager cites player-club dispute

De Zerbi insisted the situation was not based on a personal dispute. He said he was aware of what had happened over the previous 45 days but would not disclose the details, describing it instead as a problem involving the club and the player.

The Italian said Tottenham’s coaching staff and the club were aligned, having made repeated attempts at the start of the season to persuade Richarlison to remain. He made clear that he would not continue trying to convince a player who did not wish to stay.

• Richarlison began Tottenham’s league opener at Brentford.
• He was subsequently informed that he could leave the club.
• A proposed return to Everton did not materialise.
• Interest from Trabzonspor also failed to produce a transfer.
• The striker rejected a move to Vasco da Gama on Friday.

Attack loses a proven Liverpool scorer

Richarlison’s absence removes a player with a strong personal record against Liverpool. He has scored four times in seven appearances against the Reds for Spurs.

Tottenham are still waiting for their first Premier League goal of the season, making the loss of an experienced forward more significant ahead of the Anfield cup tie.