De Zerbi: Richarlison won't be called up even if eligible

Tottenham Hotspur manager De Zerbi confirmed at Monday afternoon's pre-match press conference that Kulusevski, Porro, and Tonali will all miss the League Cup third-round match against Liverpool due to injury, and explicitly stated that Richarlison would not be called up even if he were eligible to play.

De Zerbi held a press conference on Monday afternoon local time ahead of Tottenham's League Cup clash away to Liverpool. Tottenham's current goal drought in the Premier League has drawn significant attention, but the team will temporarily shift focus to a challenging match at Anfield.

Both teams are expected to make significant rotations to their starting lineups after playing out frustrating 0-0 draws last Saturday – Tottenham drew with Everton, while Liverpool drew with Fulham.

De Zerbi will provide an update on injuries to Porro and Udojie, both of whom missed last weekend's match. He will also clarify whether Maddison is fit enough to start this cup tie – if he does, it will be Maddison's first start in a domestic official match since being substituted at halftime at Anfield last April.

The Tottenham manager will also be asked about Richarlison's situation. Football.london reported over the weekend that, despite EFL rules seemingly limiting players to Premier League squad eligibility, Tottenham has confirmed with the EFL that Richarlison is eligible to play in the League Cup if De Zerbi wishes to use the Brazilian forward.

De Zerbi: "Solanke is a good player. He needs to improve his physical condition and maintain a positive attitude because he can score many goals for us. Marmoush and Savio weren't key players before, but the situation is different here."

"I said it at the last press conference. I know what happened in the last 45 days. If I were to explain, it wouldn't be appropriate. This is not how I operate, nor is it an issue with our relationship. The issue is between the player and the club. I stand with the club. The coach and the club are one. At the beginning of the season, I spoke to him many times, trying to convince him to stay, but he didn't want to. I can't beg him to stay every day."

Regarding injuries

De Zerbi: "Kulusevski is unavailable, Porro is also unavailable, Udojie can play. No Tonali – he felt a knock. Richarlison, you already know everything. The situation has not changed, whether in the League Cup or the Premier League."