This Is Anfield

Liverpool need only ONE point to be crowned Premier League champions, and an expectant Anfield awaits against Tottenham. We’re live to bring you the latest.

Liverpool vs. Tottenham

Premier League (34) | Anfield

April 27, 2025 | 4.30pm (BST)

Kickoff at Anfield is 4.30pm (UK), the referee is Tom Bramall.

Today’s blog is run by Harry McMullen, get involved by messaging in the comments below.

• PREVIEW: Read our Liverpool vs. Tottenham match preview here

• VIDEO: Watch Arne Slot’s pre-match press conference here

Watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham – Live Online Streams

Teams

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Subs: Kelleher, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Chiesa, Nunez, Jota

Tottenham: Vicario; Spence, Danso, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Gray; Johnson, Maddison, Tel; Solanke

Subs: Kinsky, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro, Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski, Odobert, Richarlison

Liveblog

Our coverage updates automatically below:

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Tottenham will be without captain Son Heung-min and one other player as they travel to Anfield to play Liverpool in the Premier League.

While the focus will be on the potential for wild Liverpool title celebrations, there are two teams playing at Anfield on Sunday.

Tottenham arrive with little to play for in the Premier League but with a massive Europa League semi-final looming just four days later.

For the match against Liverpool at least, they will be without Son who has scored seven goals in 19 career appearances against the Reds.

The South Korea international has missed Tottenham‘s last three matches with a foot injury, and on Friday, manager Ange Postecoglou said: “We don’t have injury problems, as such.

• READ HERE: Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Team news, TV info and a 20th title to be won

“The only one is Sonny, trying to work his way back. He’s improving, which is positive for us, but not (fit) for Sunday.

“Everyone from the last game has come back well, so apart from the longer-term ones, the rest of the squad is fit and available.”

With a Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt to come on Thursday, Tottenham fans will hope Son is back for the fixture. However, Postecoglou didn’t seem too optimistic.

The Spurs manager added: “We’ll see. He’s improving. It’s the first time he’s been out on the grass today, he said it felt distinctively better than it was. It’s a day-by-day situation.”

Radu Dragusin is the only other Tottenham player out injured. The defender underwent ACL surgery in early February and isn’t expected to play again this season.

Rotation for Tottenham?

Given the importance of Tottenham‘s upcoming semi-final – they haven’t won a trophy since 2008 – there is the distinct possibility that they rest players on Sunday.

Asked about potential rotation, Postecoglou said: “It will be a matter of playing a few that need the game time and others we feel may need less exposure, we’ll have a look at that.”

Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson are all players who could be rested with a potential forward line consisting of Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mathys Tel.

That trio have scored just 11 goals between them all season, while providing just two assists in total.

Guglielmo Vicario is expected to play in goal behind a possible back four of Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and Destiny Udogie.

Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma and Dejan Kulusevski could line up in midfield as Tottenham seek their first Anfield victory since 2011.

All Liverpool have to do is avoid defeat against Tottenham and they will clinch their 20th top-flight title, and Anfield is primed for an afternoon like no other.

Liverpool vs. Tottenham

Premier League (34) | Anfield

April 27, 2025 | 4.30pm (BST)

Trent Alexander-Arnold may have been the script writers’ last say in Liverpool’s 2024/25 season, scoring off the bench at Leicester to pave the way for a potential title-winning Sunday.

Arsenal‘s draw against Crystal Palace relieves some pressure but anticipation is rightly growing for what is expected to be a day we will never forget.

After amassing 79 points in 33 games, the Reds need just one more to officially be crowned Premier League champions.

Win or draw and the trophy is being adorned in red ribbons with four games to spare – make sure you savour every minute of it!

As soon as the first whistle sounds Liverpool will be the Champions-elect, our job is to keep it that way for the full 90.

Arne Slot has all but one senior player available to him, with Joe Gomez the only player in the treatment room as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.

If his recovery goes as planned, the centre-back “will be available in the last one, two or three games,” says Slot.

• READ: Why Nunez is not starting as Slot reacts to transfer rumour

It will not guarantee Gomez any minutes but his presence will be a huge boost having played a part in the club’s success – let’s not forget he is currently our longest-serving player.

There was no other injury news reported by Slot, who did note that Conor Bradley is “getting closer and closer to 90 minutes” after playing 71 minutes at Leicester.

Ange Postecoglou’s injury crisis has eased significantly since the last time the two teams met, with the Spurs boss to be without only Radu Dragusin and Son Heung-min for the trip to Anfield.

With a Europa League semi-final first leg to follow on Thursday, however, there is a strong possibility that Postecoglou will make a number of changes to avoid injuries to key players.

“It will be a matter of playing a few that need the game time and others we feel may need less exposure, we’ll have a look at that,” Postecoglou said on Friday.

That could mean none of Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke or Brennan Johnson feature from the start.

Tottenham are languishing in 16th place in the league and the Europa League is their only viable route to European football next season – they have won once in their last seven league games.

Possible Spurs XI: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Danso, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Kulusevski; Odobert, Richarlison, Tel

Andy Robertson has been on the bench for the last two fixtures for the first time this season, coming on only against West Ham, and the expectation is he will return on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return from an ankle injury with a significant goal but a start is unlikely, with Bradley to continue at right-back.

Beyond that, it is hard to see Slot changing his midfield or forward line – though Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota will hope that is not the case after both coming off the bench last time out.

Predicted Reds XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Liverpool have, in fact, clinched a top-flight league title against Tottenham on two occasions.

In 1987/88, they won 1-0 at Anfield to win the league with four games to spare and in 1981/82, Bob Paisley‘s men defeated Spurs 3-1 at home in the penultimate game of the campaign.

This could be the 12th time that the club have confirmed themselves as champions while playing at Anfield – we have waited long enough, make it happen!

Virgil van Dijk recently implored supporters to arrive at Anfield in red, saying:

“Come in red or come with all red, make it a red Anfield because that would look incredible and make as much noise as you can, and then you will enjoy it even more than you already should do, in my opinion.”

There is no excuse as there is an option for everyone, let’s make it a reality – you don’t want to disappoint the big man!

• READ: Van Dijk asked for a red Anfield – here are t-shirt options for LFC fans!

After being robbed of the chance to celebrate the 2019/20 Premier League title in front of fans, Slot knows he and his side have a “big responsibility” to deliver:

“First of all, that’s a big responsibility, because we are aware of the fact that the last time this club won the league it was COVID time.

“So everybody is looking forward to Sunday, but we know there’s still a job to be done, and that’s at least one point, and that’s what we know.

“And hopefully our fans know as well when they come to the stadium that that they support us in the best possible way they can, which they’ve done the whole season, and are aware of the fact that that we still need a point.

“That’s something we are definitely aware of here inside this building. So, it’s it’s a nice game to look forward to, but it’s also a responsibility we have for Sunday.”

There will be plenty of celebrations taking place after the match on Sunday if the Reds get the job done, but stay off the pitch in the eventuality the title is won.

Pitch invasions should be left to the likes of Everton when they survive relegation, it’s not for us.

Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association has also underlined this point, saying: “When we become the champions of England for the 20th time on Sunday please stay off the pitch. Allow our disabled supporters who are pitchside to enjoy the moment, thank you for your understanding.”

Allow everyone to enjoy the moment, players and fans alike.

Tom Bramall is the referee for this fixture. You could be forgiven for not recognising his name as the last time he officiated the Reds was in August 2023.

If we tell you he is the referee who sent Alexis Mac Allister off in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth, which was later rescinded, you may have some memories of him surface!

Bramall will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan at Anfield, with Chris Kavanagh acting as fourth official. Craig Pawson, meanwhile, is lead VAR.

Let’s not let this weekend be marred by referee decisions, please!

Liverpool vs. Tottenham will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, which you can stream here – coverage starts at 4pm (BST).

If you fancy a more biased perspective, then join Harry McMullen for This Is Anfield’s liveblog from 3.45pm – if we are crowned champions, stick around as there will be plenty to enjoy!

Up the Reds!

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou insists he has moved on from his “boyhood crush” on Liverpool as he targets being a party pooper at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool can clinch the title with a point at home to Spurs, who could equal their tally of most defeats in a Premier League season if they lose for a 19th time in the division this weekend.

Postecoglou’s primary focus is on next week’s Europa League semi-final first leg tie with Bodo/Glimt but the Australian was asked about his previous affinity to the Merseyside club ahead of a potentially pivotal day for Arne Slot‘s team.

“No mate, I’m an almost 60-year-old adult, I’ve gone past my boyhood crushes, so it’s got no impact whatsoever,” Postecoglou said.

“I have great admiration for the football club. Yes, I supported it when I was younger, but that was 50-odd years ago, so we’ve well and truly moved on since then.

“You want to go there and compete against obviously a very good side and compete well.

“And it’s not just about getting through unscathed, you want to get through having played well against the top team. I think irrespective of what’s on the horizon, that’s the primary importance.”

Spurs remain without Son Heung-min due to a foot injury, which means Cristian Romero could be captain again.

Romero made headlines earlier this week with comments in an interview with Argentinian journalists Esteban and Gaston Edul where he revealed he would be open to a future move to LaLiga.

The Spurs centre-back also acknowledged the need to “take one day at a time” and expressed his desire to win the Europa League, which Postecoglou referenced when quizzed on Romero’s future following heightened speculation over his own position in recent months.

Postecoglou: “I haven’t read the report too closely but I mean it’s like me, if you get asked a question, you have got to answer it.

“I am sure there is a lot or if you ask me a lot of questions about my future, you’d probably get some great headlines out of that as well, but it doesn’t change [anything].

“Do you know what’s important right now?

“It is not Cristian Romero’s future or anyone else’s future, it is that we have an unbelievable opportunity to do something special at this football club and for me and everyone involved internally, that is what we’re concentrating on.

“Let’s put our heads down and make sure, because I think for our supporters that is what’s the most important thing to them, right now all they care about is that we’re in the last four of a European competition and we want to do something special.

“That is where our focus is.”

Liverpool are one point away from being crowned Premier League champions – an ailing Tottenham side can’t spoil the party, can they?

The Reds know that a draw at home to Spurs on Sunday will clinch the title in front of their own fans at Anfield, with the visitors having one eye on the Europa League.

Ahead of a huge day for Liverpool, we spoke to Spurs fan Sam Hawkey (@samhawkey) to get the lowdown on their season, their European hopes, the Reds and more.

What has gone wrong for Tottenham this season?

I think it has been a continual compounding of negatives.

We got hit very hard with injuries, which led to a bad run of results, then Ange Postecoglou made some errors with the press and fans, and we got knocked out of both domestic cups.

It has ended in a spiral that we don’t seem to be able to pull out of.

Before the Nottingham Forest game, I actually checked whether it was still possible for us to get relegated!

Is it time for Postecoglou to leave?

I so want to say I would give Postecoglou more time. Three seasons would be enough time to make a proper impact.

But I don’t see a belief and connection in the group, which is the biggest worry.

How confident are you about winning the Europa League?

Not at all.

We are too easy to beat and have not looked remotely convincing in the last couple of rounds.

If we play Man United in the final, I think that’s our best chance.

Who has shone and struggled most for Spurs this season?

That’s a tough question.

Best Player? Probably Dejan Kulusevski. He was excellent for the first two-thirds of the season.

The same applies to Brennan Johnson, while Micky van de Ven was good before his injuries, but has tailed off.

Pedro Porro has been pretty consistent, so I will say him, too.

When that list doesn’t have Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Pape Sarr, Dominic Solanke or Yves Bissouma in it, you can see why we are where we are.

That group has gone missing most of the season.

How do you assess Liverpool’s season? Worthy champions?

Yes, worthy champions. Liverpool have lost only two games and scored the most goals.

Winning the league is always huge, but I do think you got a little ‘lucky’ with the huge dropoff from Man City and Arsenal.

I also think you can improve this Liverpool side quite a bit.

There are four or five players they could upgrade, and with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah re-signing, there is a great foundation to do even more next season.

If you could take one Liverpool player at Spurs, who would it be?

It’s got to be Van Dijk.

Everything comes from him, and having played a bit of football growing up, he is the type of player who makes you feel so confident.

Or Salah, obviously.

Looking ahead to Sunday, where are the key battles?

We need to stop Salah at all costs and not let Alexis Mac Allister get comfortable.

We are struggling in the middle of the park, while Salah up against anyone makes for a long 90 minutes.

Calling them battles would be generous!

Finally, what’s your prediction for Sunday? Can Spurs crash the party?

In a word… no!

Liverpool booked their trip to Anfield South with a remarkably comfortable 4-0 win over Tottenham, reaching the Carabao Cup final with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham (4-1 agg)

Carabao Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg | Anfield

February 6, 2024

Goals

Gakpo 34′ (assist – Salah)

Salah pen 51′ (assist – Nunez)

Szoboszlai 75′ (assist – Bradley)

Van Dijk 80′ (assist – Mac Allister)

As the belief swells among the fans that this could be a special season, a raucous atmosphere welcomed Liverpool and Tottenham onto the pitch at Anfield and did not let up.

Dominik Szoboszlai marked the half-hour by sliding the ball beyond Antonin Kinsky and in following a smart run to meet Mohamed Salah‘s pass, but the No. 8 went slightly too early and the goal was rightly chalked off.

That was the precursor to Liverpool’s opener, with Salah this time earning the assist as his trivela cross eluded both Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones but fell at the feet of Cody Gakpo for an instinctive finish to cancel out the first-leg result.

As Richarlison – who feigned injury earlier in the game – was forced to ground off the ball with a fitness issue, the Reds went up the other end and almost made it 2-0 as Kinsky denied Salah’s bouncing volley.

‘Cheerio, cheerio, cheerio’ sang the Liverpool fans as the ex-Everton striker trudged straight down the tunnel after 15 touches in 45 minutes.

HT: Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham

The erratic Kinsky denied Gakpo a second after a flicked-on corner but then handed Liverpool a penalty soon after, flying out to bring Nunez down having been sent through by Salah – who then blasted the spot-kick into the top corner for 2-0.

That gave the Reds the lead in the tie and in truth they were totally in control, with Spurs needing the chase the game having spent the most part of an hour sitting back and offering little.

Liverpool barely gave them time to breathe, marked by the relentless pressing of Jones and in particular Nunez, knowing a goal could push the tie to extra time which, with another game on Sunday, would have been less than ideal.

Before long, Liverpool were 3-0 up, with an outstanding goal for Szoboszlai seeing substitute Alexis Mac Allister find a brilliant run from Conor Bradley who, without breaking his stride, fed the Hungarian to finish.

And then it was four and finally one from a corner after many set-pieces wasted, with Virgil van Dijk nodding in Mac Allister’s delivery as Wembley awaits on March 16.

Van Dijk, substituted late on, was awarded a standing ovation by 60,000-odd packed into Anfield, the captain helping polish off a comfortable victory which moves him within one game of lifting another trophy.

TIA Man of the Match: Virgil van Dijk

Referee: Craig Pawson

Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (Quansah 86′), Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones (Mac Allister 72′); Salah (Diaz 82′), Gakpo (Elliott 82′), Nunez (Jota 72′)

Subs not used: Jaros, Tsimikas, Endo, Chiesa

Tottenham: Kinsky; Gray, Danso, Davies (Moore 82′), Spence; Bissouma (Porro 57′), Bentancur, Sarr (Bergvall 57′); Kulusevski, Son, Richarlison (Tel 45+1′)

Subs not used: Austin, Cassanova, Olusesi, Reguilon, Ajayi

Liverpool host Tottenham in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie this evening, as the Reds look to make it to Wembley again. We’re live to bring you the latest.

Kickoff at Anfield is 8pm (UK), the referee is Craig Pawson.

Watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham – Live Online Streams

Today’s blog is run by Henry Jackson, get involved by tweeting @thisisanfield, @HenryJackson87 & in the comments below.

Teams

Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

Subs: Jaros, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott, Diaz, Chiesa, Jota

Tottenham: Kinsky; Gray, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Son, Richarlison

Subs: Austin, Porro, Cassanova, Olusesi, Bergvall, Reguilon, Moore, Ajayi, Tel

Our coverage updates automatically below:

Liverpool host Tottenham in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, as Arne Slot‘s side seek to overturn the 1-0 defeat sustained almost a month ago.

Liverpool (0) vs. (1) Tottenham

Carabao Cup (semi-final second leg) | Anfield

February 6, 2025 | 8pm (GMT)

While Liverpool have their eyes on bigger prizes in the coming months, you need only to look back at last season to see why the Reds will be placing such importance on this match.

Jurgen Klopp‘s team were in a similar position last year but ended the campaign with the Carabao Cup their only piece of silverware to show for a memorable season.

It has become somewhat of a cliche, but it really can only be a good thing for managers to kick off their careers in England with a League Cup triumph.

For Slot to even have a chance of silverware on March 16, Liverpool must overturn a one-goal deficit at Anfield.

If you cast your minds back to January 8, the Reds lost the first leg 1-0 due to an 86th-minute strike from young Lucas Bergvall who was lucky to still be on the pitch.

Liverpool need just one goal to take the tie to extra time and penalties if needed. Tottenham will be dangerous on the break but the Reds know, if they are on their game, they have more than enough quality to get through in normal time.

Arsenal or Newcastle await the winners of the tie; you may already know which of the two by the time you read this.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool’s only injury absentee, with Slot confirming on Wednesday morning that “he is going to miss the game” despite Monday’s positive scan results on his thigh.

His availability for Sunday’s FA Cup match against Plymouth is also in doubt after the coach said: “We have to see if he is able to play.”

He added: “He’s already on the pitch, not with the team but with the rehab coach.”

Due to Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Conor Bradley is set to start his eighth game of the season at right-back.

• READ HERE: LFC options vs. Tottenham – 1 change confirmed & 4 key decisions

With Liverpool’s squad in such a strong position, Slot has been dealt several positive selection headaches.

Thankfully, the Reds play Championship strugglers Plymouth on Sunday which provides a good opportunity for rotation, so we should see Liverpool’s strongest side against Tottenham.

One position Slot could change, though, is in goal. On Wednesday, he remained coy when asked whether Alisson or Caoimhin Kelleher would start.

There also remains debate about the left-back and attacking midfield positions, while Diogo Jota is also in contention to play up as well.

Predicted LFC XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Picking up just 27 points in 24 Premier League matches has left Ange Postecoglou’s team in 14th place, but their form in the Carabao Cup has been something of a relief for the team.

To reach the semi-finals, they have had to beat Coventry, Man City and Man United, but pressure remains on the manager after his comment in September, “I always win things in my second year.”

They did, though, manage a surprise 2-0 win over Brentford at the weekend and have just signed an exciting, young forward from Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel, on loan for the rest of the season.

One of the main reasons for Spurs’ struggles has been their endless string of injuries, but those problems are beginning to ease.

Defender Radu Dragusin has recently been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with an ACL injury, but that blow has been offset slightly by the return of fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven.

He may not be able to play, though, against Liverpool, with Postecoglou revealing on Wednesday that the Dutchman doesn’t “think he feels he’s ready for that step up to the Premier League, the intensity of it. The same with [Cristian] Romero.”

Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Davies, Spence; Bergvall, Bissouma, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son

The first leg was reserved for paying subscribers to Sky Sports only, but this game will be shown on ITV 1 as part of a new agreement between the EFL and the broadcasters.

This is due to a new contract, running until the end of the 2026/27 season, that will see one tie from each of the first four rounds, an additional tie from either the third or fourth round, two quarter-final ties, one semi-final tie and the final shown on ITV.

If you prefer the paid-for coverage, Thursday’s match will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Just make sure you have that TV license for both!

Craig Pawson takes charge of this one and it is actually his first time refereeing Liverpool this season. The last time he officiated Tottenham was on Boxing Day, when they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest and Djed Spence was sent off.

At Anfield, his assistants will be Simon Bennett and Daniel Robathan, while Darren Bond takes on fourth official duties.

In the VAR booth, Michael Salisbury takes the lead with assistance from James Mainwaring.

Despite the Londoners’ lack of silverware in recent years, only Liverpool (20) have reached more League Cup semi-finals in their history than Tottenham (18).

Their recent history at this stage hasn’t been too successful as, in the last 11 seasons including this one, Spurs have reached the semi-finals five times, progressing to the final twice.

They also have a poor record at Anfield of late. In fact, Tottenham haven’t won any of their last 14 away games against Liverpool, losing 10 and drawing four. Seven of those 10 defeats were by a one-goal margin.

Like in the first leg, the referee will make announcements about VAR decisions should it be required. Slot isn’t a big fan of the idea but admitted it could work for fans.

“For me, it’s not necessary because I see when the referee makes a decision and take two steps backwards to see the live coverage,” the coach explained.

“But that is probably not available for every fan in the stadium, so if the fans like it and it is something nice for them, then let’s do this…

“I wonder if it’s a good thing because he’s already under a lot of pressure in every game from the home fans.”

Liverpool vs. Tottenham is live on ITV 1 and Sky Sports Football with kickoff at 8pm (GMT).

TIA’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 7.15pm, with Henry Jackson tasked with keeping you entertained and up-to-date.

Come on you Reds!

Tottenham brought in two new signings late in the transfer window but have been rocked by another new serious injury ahead of their trip to Liverpool.

Liverpool host Tottenham in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday night knowing they must overturn a 1-0 deficit from the opener.

Arne Slot‘s side go into that clash with only one known injury, and early indications are that Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s layoff is not likely to be a long one.

Conversely, Tottenham could be without as many as nine players as they bid for Wembley, including new long-term absentee Radu Dragusin.

Dragusin was confirmed on Tuesday morning to have suffered an ACL injury which is expected to rule the centre-back out for the remainder of the campaign.

He joins fellow centre-back Cristian Romero (thigh) on the sidelines, with Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies both fit but only having recently returned from layoffs of their own.

Ange Postecoglou is also set to be without Dominic Solanke (knee), James Maddison (muscle), Timo Werner (thigh), Brennan Johnson (muscle), Wilson Odobert (thigh), Destiny Udogie (thigh) and Guglielmo Vicario (ankle).

While those injuries have left Tottenham light in both defence and attack in recent weeks, they did move to address that at the end of the transfer window.

Loan-to-buy deals were struck for Lens centre-back Kevin Danso and Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, and both are expected to receive clearance to feature in the semi-final.

Tottenham were, however, frustrated in their efforts to sign another centre-back, with a £70 million bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi rejected on deadline day.

They were also rejected by Fikayo Tomori and Axel Disasi despite agreeing terms with both AC Milan and Chelsea – the latter instead choosing to join Aston Villa on loan.

It means Danso could make his return to English football against Liverpool, having previously made 10 appearances on loan at Southampton in 2019/20.

Van de Ven is a likely starter alongside either Davies or Archie Gray at centre-back, though Postecoglou could immediately turn to Danso given his relative fitness.

Meanwhile, Tel should join Son Heung-min and Richarlison in attack with few other options beyond 17-year-old Mikey Moore and Dejan Kulusevski, who is instead required in midfield.

Liverpool arranged a scan for Alexander-Arnold’s upper-leg injury on Monday, with the results likely to be communicated to the media on Tuesday ahead of a full update from Arne Slot at 9am on Wednesday.

The right-back will almost certainly miss out against Tottenham with Conor Bradley poised to start.

Liverpool have sanctioned a transfer for academy defender Luca Furnell-Gill, who leaves after a short but eventful spell on Merseyside to join Tottenham.

Furnell-Gill was one of three new signings confirmed by Tottenham‘s academy on Tuesday, making the switch to north London on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 18-year-old centre-back joined Liverpool as an U15s player in 2022, and went on to debut for the U18s the following year and later the U21s in 2024.

But having struggled for opportunities in the academy – behind the likes of Lucas Pitt and Louis Enahoro-Marcus at U18s level – Furnell-Gill opted to leave.

This comes before he had signed a professional contract at Liverpool, meaning the terms of the transfer were more straightforward.

The teenager’s time in the academy was headlined by a run-in with Man United striker Ethan Wheatley during a 4-3 loss for the U18s in January of last year, throwing a punch and swinging an elbow at his opponent.

Furnell-Gill was not sent off but with footage of the incidents emerging he was referred to the FA and subsequently banned for five games.

He only started three more times after that, though there is no indication that it had any direct bearing on the club’s plans for his integration.

While this deal comes on the eve of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Tottenham, transfers at academy level – particularly those on scholarships – will be considered detached from first-team operations.

Furnell-Gill is the third player to depart the Reds’ youth ranks on a permanent basis this winter, following exits for Marcelo Pitaluga (Fluminense) and Tom Hill (Harrogate).

Liverpool recently signed centre-back Lucas Clarke, 16, from Man City, while Amara Nallo, a month older than Furnell-Gill, made his first-team debut in the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Nallo leads the pecking order in the academy, with Carter Pinnington, 17, and Wellity Lucky, 19, among those to have also trained with the senior squad.