De Zerbi provides major Mohammed Kudus fitness update ahead of Liverpool clash
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Mohammed Kudus is now fit enough to start Tuesday’s EFL Cup third-round meeting with Liverpool at Anfield.
Speaking ahead of the cup tie, De Zerbi was asked whether Kudus and James Maddison were ready to return to the starting XI.
“Kudus can start because, in terms of physical condition, he is better. James is not yet,” the Spurs boss explained.
Kudus has gradually been introduced back into the team after recovering from a quad injury that kept him out for the latter part of last season and Ghana’s World Cup campaign. The Ghanaian winger returned to action at the end of August and has subsequently appeared as a substitute in three successive matches.
His latest appearance came during Saturday’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Everton, but De Zerbi now believes the 25-year-old is ready to take the next step and could start against Liverpool.
Kudus is competing for a starting role in any of the three attacking positions behind the striker in De Zerbi’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Maddison, meanwhile, will have to wait a little longer. The midfielder suffered a shoulder fracture during Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford and missed the following three competitive fixtures before making a late substitute appearance at the weekend.
De Zerbi rules out Richarlison
Richarlison will not be involved against Liverpool despite being eligible to play in cup competitions.
The Brazilian forward was omitted from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad but can still feature in domestic cup matches. However, De Zerbi has already confirmed that Richarlison will not be considered for the Anfield clash, raising concerns that he could be left without competitive football until later in the year.
Tottenham will also be without several players because of injury, including Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali, Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Mykhailo Mudryk and Dejan Kulusevski.
With Kudus now pushing for a starting berth, Spurs will hope his return to full fitness can provide a much-needed attacking boost against Liverpool.
🚨 Bombshell: Roberto De Zerbi delivers major Mohammed Kudus fitness boost ahead of Liverpool clash, Tottenham will also be without several players because of injury, including Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali, Wilson Odobert
