Tottenham will be without a number of key players when it takes on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, with Sandro Tonali's injury the latest blow confirmed by Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken ahead of Tottenham's game against Liverpool
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken ahead of Tottenham's game against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Sandro Tonali will be absent from the squad when Tottenham takes on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round.
The 26-year-old midfielder, nursing a knock, is among a host of high-profile absentees for Tuesday's fixture at Anfield. Addressing the media at Hotspur Way on Monday, De Zerbi opened by ruling out both Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro, before announcing the long-awaited comeback of Destiny Udogie. The Spurs manager said: "Kulusevski not available, Pedro still not available, Udogie, yes. No, Sandro Tonali, he felt a knock."
Mykhailo Mudryk, Xavi Simons, and Wilson Odobert are also set to sit out Tuesday's encounter. De Zerbi subsequently confirmed that Richarlison, who publicly expressed his desire to depart during the summer transfer window, would likewise play no part.
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The Italian said: "Richarlison, you already know everything, so nothing changes with the Carabao Cup or Premier League."
Despite the Brazilian international remaining eligible to play in the Carabao Cup, as he has not been registered for Premier League duty, he will not be included in the matchday squad. De Zerbi added: "I said last press conference.
"I know what happened in the last 45 days. It's not right if I explained. It's not my behavior, the relationship. The problem is between the player and the club. I stay within the club. It's coach and club together.
Sandro Tonali will miss the Liverpool game
Sandro Tonali will miss the Liverpool game(Image: Getty Images)
"At the start of this season, I spoke to him many times to convince him to stay, and he didn't want to. I can't go every day to pray for him to stay."
Evaluating his available attacking options, De Zerbi said: "[Dominic] Solanke is a good player. He needs to improve his physical condition and stay positive because he can score many goals with us.
"[Omar] Marmoush and Savio were not the protagonist, but that is different here."
On Monday morning, Andoni Iraola addressed the challenges he similarly encounters when managing his squad's workload. Speaking to reporters, the Reds boss said: "It's the third game (in seven days). It's the worst scenario in terms of schedule, we haven't been lucky.
"After this one, we have a little bit more before we play Bournemouth, and you noticed the gap between Ipswich and Atletico and Atletico and Fulham. It's a big difference.
"We have to get used to it. You can put the same players in every game. The problem is, there will be a moment they are really tired, and there is more risk of injury.
"There are players who play every three days and have no issues; they can accept it, and performances don't change too much. Then there are players where the risk is bigger, and the performances are different.
"And we are in a position where I have to learn who is ready to play and who is ready to rest, so their performance level doesn't drop. I had an idea with some of them, but for some of them it is new as they haven't played as many games before."