Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison is not fit enough to play a full 90 minutes in the upcoming Carabao Cup third-round tie away to Liverpool. Despite his crucial role as the team’s most creative player, the manager indicated a cautious approach is needed for the ‘injury-prone’ midfielder.
Maddison’s Crucial Role and Recent Absence
Maddison’s importance is highlighted by the struggles of other players filling his No. 10 role. Mateus Fernandes, who started in the playmaker position, failed to create a single real chance against Everton over the weekend, according to LiveScore. Fernandes, a young talent signed from West Ham United for £85 million, is not a natural No. 10, and playing him there risks hurting his development. Conor Gallagher also struggled in the role against Nottingham Forest.
Maddison has been sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, sustained on Matchday 1 against Brentford, and previously tore his ACL at the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. He made a late bench appearance in the recent 0-0 draw against Everton but has yet to start a match this season. De Zerbi emphasised that Maddison ‘needs to stay in good physical condition’ and acknowledged that his ‘quality is different than other players,’ as reported by Read Tottenham.
Carabao Cup Importance and Maddison’s Liverpool Record
Tottenham’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool on Tuesday is seen as a significant fixture, particularly given the club’s struggles to secure a Premier League win so far this season. Yahoo Sports UK suggests that progression in the Carabao Cup should be a priority for Tottenham, offering a potential distraction from their league form and a chance to build confidence.
Historically, Maddison has a strong record against Liverpool. He has faced the Reds 14 times, scoring four goals and providing three assists, averaging a goal contribution every two matches. However, despite this impressive record and the importance of the cup tie, De Zerbi stated that while other options like Kudus or Marmoush might be considered for the No. 10, the focus for Maddison is a cautious return to full fitness rather than short-term gains. De Zerbi will make ‘wholesale changes’ to the squad for the cup match.
