Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Sandro Tonali will miss Tuesday’s League Cup clash with Liverpool.
The midfielder has started all four league games since his £100 million summer move from Newcastle United, although he was left out of the League Cup second-round tie against Charlton Athletic in August.
Tonali would have been expected to feature against Liverpool in the third round, but he is currently sidelined with a knock.
“(Dejan) Kulusevski not available, Pedro (Porro) still not available,” De Zerbi said in his pre-match press conference. “(Destiny) Udogie yes. No Sandro Tonali, he felt a knock.”
Fellow marquee summer signing Mateus Fernandes has a big opportunity to make an impact for Spurs.
Tottenham are still searching for their first goal and win of the new Premier League season, with their only victory coming in the League Cup.
A third-round exit would further compound Spurs’ current woes, and their prospects of winning at Anfield have been hampered by Tonali’s injury.
De Zerbi will need to find a solution, given the significant backing he received during the summer transfer window.
Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Fernandes and Lucas Bergvall are a strong pool of midfield options.
Archie Gray is also an option in central midfield, although he is likely to feature at right-back.
De Zerbi hinted that estranged striker Richarlison will once again not be involved despite his eligibility to feature.
