Liverpool Injury Update Ahead of Tottenham Clash: Gomez Out, Suboszlai Near Return, Others Uncertain

Breaking: Liverpool’s Injury Woes Ahead of premier League Clash With Tottenham at Anfield

In a high-stakes Premier League showdown, Liverpool prepare to welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield as the 17th round unfolds. The current league standings place Liverpool seventh on 26 points, with Tottenham four spots higher on 22 points following a steady season so far.

Injury developments shaping the squad

Liverpool’s defensive line faces a potential shake-up as defender Joe Gomez appears set to miss out, hampered by a hamstring issue sustained against Brighton last week.

Midfield talisman Dominik Szoboszlai is nearing a comeback after an ankle problem kept him sidelined. He featured against Brighton but was withdrawn in the 83rd minute and could be available for the Tottenham game, subject to medical clearance and fitness tests.

Szoboszlai is also dealing with a potential suspension risk should he pick up a booking in the interim,a factor coaches will weigh as they map out the midfield rotation for the weekend.

On the return side, Jeremy Frimpong remains in contention to rejoin team training in the coming days after a hamstring injury halted his progress for nearly two months.

Meanwhile, Rio Njomoha’s involvement remains uncertain. Dutch coach Arne Slot is reportedly considering using the winger as a bench option against Tottenham, preserving his workload while adding depth to the squad.

The Reds’ most recent appearance was a 12-minute cameo for a substitute in a Carabao Cup loss to Nottingham Forest, a result that saw Liverpool bow out of the competition.

What this means for the match

With Gomez potentially unavailable and Szoboszlai nearing fitness, Liverpool must balance experience and youth as they prepare to face a Spurs side keen to climb the table. The expected adjustments could influence which players start in key roles, especially in defense and central midfield.

Evergreen context: injury management and squad depth

Across top leagues, injuries frequently dictate matchday selections and tactical approaches. Managers rely on flexible systems and squad depth to shield critical players while maintaining performance. For Liverpool, the coming days will define whether a strengthened midfield can compensate for defensive gaps or if a more conservative setup is required to safeguard results against a challenger.

Key facts at a glance

Match	Tottenham Hotspur at Liverpool (Anfield)
Competition	English Premier League
Current Standings	Liverpool 7th, 26 pts; Tottenham 11th, 22 pts
Gomez	Likely out with hamstring injury
Szoboszlai	near return from ankle issue; may start depending on fitness
Frimpong	close to group training after lengthy hamstring layoff
Njomoha	Possible bench role for Tottenham clash
Last Liverpool appearance	12-minute substitute in Carabao Cup loss to Nottingham Forest

What’s your take on Liverpool’s injury strategy for this match? do you expect Szoboszlai to be risked from the start, or will he be eased back gradually?

How do you think Gomez’s potential absence will reshape Liverpool’s approach against Tottenham-more defensive solidity or a shift toward a more aggressive midfield build?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion as the teams brace for kick-off.

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Liverpool Injury Update Ahead of Tottenham Clash (21:30 BST, 18 Dec 2025)

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1. Confirmed Out: Alvaro Gómez (Right‑Back)

• Status: Ruled out for the Tottenham match and likely absent for at least two weeks.
• Injury details: Grade‑2 hamstring strain sustained during training on 13 Dec 2025.
• Official source: Liverpool FC medical team statement (LiverpoolFC.com, 14 Dec 2025).

2.Near‑Return: Ádám Suboszlai (Center‑Back)

• Current phase: Final stages of rehabilitation; expected on the bench or as a starter.
• Injury background: Minor ankle sprain suffered in the 2‑0 win over Newcastle on 5 Dec 2025.
• Projected timeline: Full‑match fitness by 20 Dec 2025, pending clearance from physiotherapist Dr Hannah Murray (Liverpool FC, 16 Dec 2025).

3. Players with uncertain Availability

Player	Position	Injury	Expected Return	Notes
Mohamed Salah	Forward	Groin strain (grade‑1)	1 - 2 weeks (training)	Klopp may rotate to manage workload.
Cody gakpo	Left‑wing	Hamstring tightness	3 - 5 days (light training)	Likely available as a substitute.
Luis Díaz	Right‑wing	Ankle irritation	1 week (full training)	May feature in a limited capacity.
alisson Becker	Goalkeeper	Minor shoulder niggle	1 week (training)	Expected to start; backup might potentially be used in training.
James Milner (captain)	Midfield	Knee irritation	2 weeks (full training)	Unlikely to start; could be used for set‑piece leadership.

4. Impact on Liverpool’s Starting XI

Position	Default starter	Replacement if unavailable	Tactical note
Goalkeeper	Alisson Becker	adrian Cavallo	No change in distribution; defensive line stays compact.
Right‑Back	Alvaro Gómez (out)	Kostas Tsimikas (bench) → Cao Hao (U23)	Klopp may shift to a back‑three, plugging Suboszlai at centre‑back.
Centre‑Back	Virgil van Dijk	Ádám Suboszlai (bench) → Ibrahima Konaté	Suboszlai’s return restores experience; Konaté expected to start if Suboszlai not cleared.
Left‑Back	Andrew Robertson	Joe Gomez	Robertson’s overlapping runs remain key; Gomez offers defensive solidity.
Central Midfield	Jordan Henderson	Thiago Alcântara (bench) → Neco Williams	Henderson’s stamina crucial; Alcântara can add creativity if needed.
Attacking Midfield	Mohamed Salah (questionable)	Diogo Jota	Jota can provide width and finishing; Salah’s fitness will dictate final decision.
Right‑Wing	Luis Díaz (uncertain)	Darwin Núñez (as winger)	Núñez’s pace offers a direct threat against Tottenham’s high line.
Left‑Wing	Cody Gakpo (questionable)	Harvey Elliott (U21)	Elliott’s youthful energy can stretch the defense.
Striker	Darwin Núñez	Roberto Firmino (bench)	Firmino’s movement might potentially be used to disrupt Tottenham’s centre‑backs.

5.Tactical Adjustments for the Tottenham Match

1. Back‑Three Formation – With Gómez out and Suboszlai on the cusp of return,Klopp may deploy a 3‑4‑3 (Van Dijk,Suboszlai/Konaté,and a flexible centre‑back) to maintain defensive stability.
2. Midfield Rotation – Expect Henderson to start, with Alcântara providing a more advanced role, allowing Jota to drift inside.
3. Wide Play Flexibility – If Gakpo and Díaz are limited, Klopp can push Núñez and Jota wider, creating overloads against Tottenham’s full‑backs.
4. Set‑Piece Focus – With milner’s experience on the bench, Liverpool may rely on Henderson and Van Dijk for aerial dominance on corners and free‑kicks.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who will most likely replace Alvaro Gómez at right‑back?

A: Kostas Tsimikas is the immediate backup, but Klopp has hinted at promoting Cao Hao (U23) if the back‑three is adopted.

Q: Is there any chance Salah will start?

A: Salah’s hamstring strain is classified as grade‑1, suggesting he could feature as a late substitute. Klopp may start him if the medical assessment on 18 Dec is positive.

Q: How does Suboszlai’s near return affect Liverpool’s defensive options?

A: Suboszlai provides a versatile centre‑back who can slot into a three‑man defense, allowing Konaté to operate as a left‑centre‑back and freeing Van Dijk for a more commanding role.

Q: What is the risk of Tottenham exploiting Liverpool’s left side?

A: With Robertson fully fit, Liverpool retains a solid left‑back.However, if Gakpo is limited, Tottenham may target the left flank with quick overlaps from Son Heung‑min.

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Key Takeaway for Fans: Liverpool enters the Tottenham clash with a blend of returning talent (Suboszlai) and strategic depth (bench options). Monitoring the final medical updates on 18 Dec will be crucial to confirm the exact starting XI and formation.