Mamardashvili Set to Start for Liverpool Against Tottenham in League Cup
Giorgi Mamardashvili will start Liverpool’s League Cup match against Tottenham on Tuesday, with Alisson Becker set to be rested after the Reds played twice in four days.
Key team news
| Item | Status | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Giorgi Mamardashvili | Will start | League Cup against Tottenham, Tuesday |
| Alisson Becker | Rested | Rotation after a demanding four-day schedule |
| Joe Gomez | Available | Back in squad training after a muscle injury |
| Conor Bradley | Still out | Training individually during long-term recovery |
Head coach Andoni Iraola has backed Mamardashvili to take his chance in goal, despite the Georgian having had limited involvement so far this season. Iraola said there was no question over Alisson’s standing or form, but stressed his belief in the 25-year-old after following him during his time in Spain.
Iraola revealed Bournemouth had attempted to sign Mamardashvili before his own arrival at the club, adding that he sees the goalkeeper as a high-level option. The Tuesday selection will give Mamardashvili his opportunity to show that depth.
There is also a timely defensive boost with Joe Gomez expected to return to the matchday picture. The defender has been absent since suffering a muscle problem in a pre-season friendly against Sunderland in late July.
Gomez has spent the past week training with the first team. Iraola confirmed he should be available, although the staff will decide whether he is ready for a short appearance or a more significant workload.
Conor Bradley remains further away. The Northern Ireland international has not yet returned to full tactical work with his team-mates, though he has begun ball work while training on his own.
Iraola described Bradley’s issue as a long-term injury and said Giovanni Leoni is currently ahead of the full-back in his own recovery. Bradley’s return will still require patience.
More changes are expected against Spurs. Liverpool have used only 18 players across their first five matches of the campaign, and Iraola indicated that several squad members yet to feature could be involved on Tuesday.
What happens next: Mamardashvili takes the gloves against Tottenham, while Gomez’s minutes will be managed as Liverpool assess how many of their fringe players are ready to step in.
