Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur: Early team news ahead of mouthwatering clash
By Joel Masibo, March 15, 2026Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot remains optimistic that goalkeeper Alisson Becker will recover in time for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Anfield, as the Reds aim for a strong season finish.
The Brazilian shot-stopper was unable to feature in Liverpool’s midweek UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray after sustaining what the club described as a minor problem.
Speaking during the media briefing ahead of training, Slot addressed the chances of Alisson returning for the upcoming fixture.
Slot speaks
“I’m hopeful, but that’s not to say I’m 100 per cent sure,” said Slot.
The Dutch coach later explained the nature of the issue, saying: “[Alisson] felt something when he passed the ball in one of his muscles [on Monday]. But after we checked it, it was so minor that we think it doesn’t have to take very long. But as always, games follow up so fast that he had to miss the one against Galatasaray, and hopefully, he’s available and ready for Sunday. If not, I’m expecting him – if things go as planned – definitely against Galatasaray.”
During the Champions League trip to Istanbul, Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili stepped in between the posts, marking his 12th appearance for Liverpool since completing his move from Valencia CF.
Meanwhile, winger Federico Chiesa is expected to rejoin the squad for the Anfield encounter after missing the trip to Turkey due to illness. Slot expressed confidence that the Italian forward has recovered.
“I expect he feels better now because he felt unwell the day before the game, and I think we’re now three or four further ahead,” Slot said.
Liverpool will still be without several long-term absentees, including Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni.
Youngster Rio Ngumoha recently started in the FA Cup win against Wolverhampton Wanderers but remained on the bench during the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. Slot explained that the club is being cautious with the 17-year-old’s playing time.
Tottenham news
Tottenham will head to Merseyside with a number of defensive concerns. Centre-back Micky van de Ven is suspended following his red card in the defeat to Crystal Palace, while Cristian Romero will miss the match despite completing a four-game domestic suspension after suffering a head collision with teammate Joao Palhinha in their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma has also joined Spurs’ growing list of injured players, which already includes Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie.
Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor confirmed several absences while giving an update on the squad.
“They [Romero and Palhinha] are out. Micky is also out, Bissouma is out [with] a muscle problem. Conor Gallagher has a fever, but he will probably be in. So, we have a lot of problems again to make a first XI. Destiny is almost back.”
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to reclaim the starting spot after Antonin Kinsky featured in Tottenham’s 5-2 defeat in Madrid.