Football.London

Ange Postecoglou finally has a new face to call upon if he chooses to for Tottenham's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.

Spurs made their first signing of the January transfer window with the arrival of 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague in a deal that could be worth around £12.5million with add-ons. Postecoglou must decide whether to throw the talented stopper straight in or give Brandon Austin another chance after the academy product did well against Newcastle with Fraser Forster out sick.

Postecoglou has got Rodrigo Bentancur back from suspension but loses both James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr to that same reason. Lucas Bergvall impressed in the midfield against Newcastle and the Spurs boss must decide whether to give the 18-year-old Swede another go in the midfield.

Seventeen-year-old Mikey Moore could also be back on the bench for the first time in a couple of months after recovering from the virus that has wiped out a chunk of his season. This match has come too soon for Richarlison who faces another week of training before being considered for match duty.

Here's the Spurs team that we reckon Postecoglou will select to take on Arne Slot's side in the cup clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou needs players to return to action and quickly. Spurs have suffered with a horrendous injury crisis this season, missing several important players at regular intervals.

The Australian would surely like to get players back on the field as quickly as he can, but he is not going to rush anyone and risk further problems.

That has already happened this season, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both returning from injuries unexpectedly to face Chelsea on December 8, with both players failing to last the 90 minutes and not being seen in the squad since.

The same can also be said of Richarlison, who has only featured in seven Spurs matches this season. He picked up a new injury, having already been absent for a number of games, when coming off the bench against Aston Villa on November 3. He has played no part since.

The Brazilian frontman is, however, back in training and was spotted in a social media video posted by Spurs as they prepared for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg clash with Liverpool this week. It led to plenty of talk around the striker being ready to return to the first team fold.

Spurs host the Reds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday night, but Richarlison will not be involved. Postecoglou said: "He is training. The whole plan with him, with what has happened this year, was to give him two full solid weeks of training.

"His second week will be next week and if he gets through that he will be fine."

So while Dominic Solanke may need a rest and/or some help in the striking department, he will have to wait another week before Richarlison is alongside him ready to carry the burden.

Ange Postecoglou has provided the latest Tottenham team news ahead of Spurs' Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool.

The Lilywhites welcome Arne Slot's side to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday for what is a welcome break from Premier League action. Spurs have not won in four league fixtures but have performed well in League Cup action this campaign, beating Coventry City, Manchester City and Manchester United to reach this stage of the competition.

Ahead of the clash, Postecoglou has revealed he still has a number of players unavailable. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Australian said: "Net wise I still think we're down.

"Bentancur back but we lose Maddison and Sarr [due to suspension]. Mikey [Moore] potentially could be back on the bench. Everyone from the weekend certainly feels better. Radu is better and Archie. Deki (Dejan Kulusevski) was a bit under the weather but he should be fine."

James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr are suspended for the match because they have already picked up two yellow cards in the Carabao Cup this campaign. They will be available for the second leg in February, however. Rodrigo Bentancur is available once again, though, after he served a one-match suspension during Saturday's Premier League meeting with Newcastle United.

New signing Antonin Kinsky, who joined Spurs in a £12.5million deal from Slavia Prague, could start against the Reds. Postecoglou said: "We'll see. He arrived Sunday and he's had a couple of days' of training. He's obviously registered to play."

Liverpool have been handed a fresh fitness scare ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs will host the Merseyside club at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday night in the first leg of their semi-final. Tottenham booked a place in the last-four of the competition with a victory over Manchester United in the quarter-final last month.

Ange Postecoglou's side go into the clash against Liverpool on the back of a defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend. Spurs will be hoping to claim a victory over Liverpool and take a first-leg lead into the reverse fixture at Anfield, which takes place early next month.

Liverpool will be sweating over the fitness of Dominik Szoboszlai going into the clash against Spurs. Reds head coach Arne Slot confirmed in a press conference that the Hungary international missed training on Monday, and is a doubt to face Tottenham on Wednesday night due to illness.

Should Szoboszlai be unavailable, he would not be the only Liverpool player to miss out on the semi-final against Tottenham. Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Slot admitted at the weekend that Ibrahima Konate is unlikely to start after making a return from injury against Manchester United on Sunday.

Spurs will be without several players of their own due to injury, as Postecoglou deals with many members of his squad on the sidelines. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Richarlison Mikey Moore, Fraser Forster and Wilson Odobert will all miss the clash against Liverpool due to injury.

Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison will also be unavailable for Tottenham as they serve a suspension for picking up two yellow cards in the tournament this season. Rodrigo Bentancur could return after being suspended for five yellow cards in the Premier League.

Arne Slot has warned his Liverpool squad about the quality of Tottenham ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final clash between the two sides on Wednesday.

The Reds travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first leg on Wednesday before the second leg at Anfield on February 6. Liverpool ran out 6-3 winners the last time the two clubs met on December 22, with Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah netting for Liverpool.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevki and Dominic Solanke were Tottenham's scorers on the day and Slot believes the fact Spurs scored three against his side just under three weeks ago shows the quality the Lilywhites possess. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Dutchman said: "What we expect is two teams with a clear identity. That’s what most people expect to see.

“Both teams trying to force it on the other. Large parts of the game two weeks ago we could show our identity, but they showed how good of a team they are. Scoring three goals against us is a big compliment.

“I think we were all disappointed (about the draw with United). Parts of our game we weren’t completely happy with, and there were more things we could have done better.”

Slot confirmed "almost all" of his players are fit ahead of the clash, although the head coach admitted midfielder Szoboszlai is a doubt after he missed training on Monday. Liverpool go into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Manchester United and Slot insists some of his fringe players will get minutes on Wednesday.

"I said there are many considerations you make before you make a line-up," he said. "We might play a few players that haven't played all the games and a few players that have played all the games. Today is the first time we train since United. Let's see."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou is holding his press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's clash with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Spurs are back in action with the cup clash against a table-topping Liverpool side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday while Postecoglou's young team were unfortunate on Saturday to fall to a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle despite battling away with 11 missing players in a game that featured a couple of controversial decisions.

The Tottenham boss was left furious after that game and claimed it was the angriest he had been in his 26-year coaching career as he felt his players were unable to compete on a "fair and level playing field".

Since then Spurs have signed a new goalkeeper in highly-rated 21-year-old Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague and Postecoglou will be speaking about the young Czech stopper and whether he will come straight in against Liverpool as well as the prospect of further transfers to bolster his threadbare team.

Tottenham have also taken up the option to extend captain Son Heung-min's contract by another year, meaning the South Korean star's deal now runs until the summer of 2026.

Postecoglou will provide the latest injury updates with Richarlison and Mikey Moore previously the closest to returning to action after injury and illness respectively. Fraser Forster had also missed the Newcastle came through illness, with Brandon Austin deputising well on his debut.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to Postecoglou. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham have extended Son Heung-min's contract at the club until June 2026.

The South Korea international has played over 430 times for Spurs since signing from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, scoring 169 goals. Son was out of contract at the end of the season and in danger of leaving Spurs on a free transfer.

In November, Son hinted that this year could be his last at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as he revealed that talks over a new deal had yet to occur.

"We haven't talked about anything yet," he said. "It is very clear from me. I am very focused on this season. At this age, every second is like a goal, especially this season, we are in a lot of competitions, it feels like I am taking even more care about this.

"As I say, I am fully focused on this year and just want to win something that everybody at the club - the players, all around - deserves.

"That's what I'm working for. In the future you never know what will happen, but I will give everything for this club because it's been almost 10 years and I give everything. I still have a contract with the club which is the very important thing and I just want to give everything until my contract [expires]."

Randal Kolo Muani has emerged as a potential target for Tottenham Hotspur this month. The 26-year-old striker has been heavily linked with an exit from Paris Saint-Germain recently after falling out of favour under Luis Enrique.

While Kolo Muani has featured 14 times for the Parisians this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, he's been handed just two starts. The France international, who joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 for €90m (£74.7m), has also averaged just half an hour an appearance.

So, with limited opportunities in the French capital, Kolo Muani faces an uncertain future and looks set to leave in the January transfer window. football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about the striker's future and potential move to north London.

Tottenham identify two priority positions

Tottenham could prioritise the signings of a centre-back and an attacker this month, according to football.london's chief Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold. It's understood that the Lilywhites have looked at Kolo Muani, who's courted interest from lots of clubs.

Speaking on his latest YouTube video, rounding up the latest Tottenham headlines, Gold said: "You have seen the links with PSG's Randal Kolo Muani, who is a player that Spurs have looked at. I think they maybe looked at him before he went to PSG as well. It's player that can play across the front front three.

"[Kolo Muani] hasn't really been able to replicate what he did in that brilliant season at Eintracht Frankfurt. He had 40 goal involvements in 46 games [then] went to PSG I think for 75 million [pounds] or something, 76 million [pounds].

"It was mad figure. But he is the subject of interest from a lot of clubs. The 26-years-old fell out of favour somewhat at PSG. Any side that wants him was going to have a bit of battle on their hands. I'm intrigued to see price-wise what he's available [for].

"After you sign someone for 76 million [pounds], 18 months ago you're probably not going to allow him to leave for much cheaper. Even if it's a loan, you would imagine it's with a hefty option, maybe at the end of it if they probably want an obligation, but I would imagine people try and fight for an option.

"We'll see. I think he's just one of the ones that they're looking at. I think he probably would be a crowd-pleasing signing. I don't think he scored enough goals for PSG looking at his numbers. I've had him described to me as a raw talent with the physical attributes to succeed in the Premier League which is a bit – can you be a raw talent at 26? I don't know. Maybe you can, but yeah yeah we'll see.

Tottenham explore Kolo Muani deal

According to The Athletic, Tottenham and Manchester United are hoping to sign Kolo Muani on loan this month. The report states that the Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in recruiting the striker, though the face tough competition from Juventus for his signature.

It's said that the Frenchman's entourage have been made aware of admiration for their client. The Athletic add that Kolo Muani, who sees his contract at Les Parc des Princes expire in June 2028, is regarded as one of the best versatile attackers currently available on the market by his suitors.

Enrique aims subtle dig at Kolo Muani

Last month, Luis Enrique hinted at his stance on Kolo Muani when he was quizzed on the PSG striker's lack of game time. The Spaniard said: "I could speak about it, but I won’t because my decisions say it all, even if, as I have said, all of my decisions can be changed."

As previously mentioned, Enrique has handed Kolo Muani just two starts this season, with either Goncalo Ramos or even Ousmane Dembele preferred to lead the frontline. The Spurs target also hasn't been named in the matchday squad for PSG's last two Ligue 1 games.

Kolo Muani commits future to PSG

Despite such an uncertain future at PSG, Kolo Muani has recently committed his future to the French giants. Speaking to reporters in November, as quoted by GFFN, he insisted that he's going to work hard to force himself back into Enrique's side.

The striker said: "You have to keep the mental side. It is up to me to continue to work so that the manager trusts in me. I am keeping my head on my shoulders and I’m going to continue to work."

Then, when asked whether he still hopes to establish himself at PSG, Kolo Muani added: "I hope so."

Kolo Muani reveals Premier League dream

Speaking to Canal Football Club in June 2023, Kolo Muani revealed his 'dream' of playing in England. As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: "It’s flattering that PSG are interested in you, like all the other big clubs.

"It’s not just because you come from the Parisian region and grow up there that you should automatically play for PSG. Honestly, who doesn’t dream of playing in the Premier League? It’s one of the best leagues that exists. You dream about it. These are childhood dreams.

"But I’m not searching for the perfect club or the best club in the world. I’m really looking for the club that will give me the chance to be able to express myself, to earn game time and most importantly allow me to grow."

Tottenham fell to another defeat against visitors Newcastle United, compounding the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou as their difficult start to the season continues. However, some football.london readers in our comments section believe that the blame should lie elsewhere.

Dominic Solanke opened the scoring at home against the Magpies, but Newcastle wrapped up all three points thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and the in-form Alexander Isak, handing Spurs their tenth Premier League defeat of the campaign. Injuries and illnesses, suspensions, and refereeing decisions have all been blamed for the loss.

The debate over Postecoglou's future rolls on, but the January transfer window gives the club the opportunity to bring in much-needed reinforcements. The signing of young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Czech team Slavia Prague will come as a boost to a side missing Guglielmo Vicario.

The question of whether Postecoglou should stay on as head coach, based on current results, is a hot one. Reader Bobbyspur says it's the wrong question: “For those that want Ange to be sacked, would love to know who you think we should bring in as a replacement? I can't think of a better manager out there that would want to take on the challenge of working with Levy, with our average squad with obvious holes that need filling but ultimately won't be.

"Levy is the common theme and it baffles me that there is still some in the fanbase that can't see that. Incredible businessman and we should all be forever thankful for what he has done in terms of turning the club into a profitable, commercially-strong business. However, one trophy (League Cup) in 23 years can only be seen as a failure from a football-performance side. We're now in a position financially where we should be able to win silverware."

Commenter Push & Run agrees: “To blame Ange and not see Levy's part in all this is ridiculous. One first team player (Dom Solanke) brought in over the summer when we knew we needed cover at left-back, a new goalkeeper and a powerhouse midfielder or two.”

Oldspur says: “The most sensible suggestion I've seen in all the current media-fuelled hysteria is to ride out the season and then take stock. Yes, there have been some awful performances - but yes, there have been some good ones too. Speaks volumes that Ange still has the dressing room. I suspect for now, he still has the boardroom too. And I reckon that barring some absolute disaster, he'll still be in the job next season.”

Davmid writes: “I think the true Spurs fans are prepared to be patient. At its best the football is breath-taking. The current period will pass and all these armchair managers will still think they know best.”

Cotswoldcockerel says: “I don’t want Ange sacked. I want Spurs to achieve. But I predict this will not happen under Ange as he has said and shown, he has one plan. Ange will be gone when Spurs are out of all competitions and another season will be over.”

The games keep on coming thick and fast for Ange Postecoglou's depleted Tottenham team. Following last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United, Spurs are in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday evening when Liverpool make the trip to north London.

The sides met in the league at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just prior to Christmas and it was a day to forget for the hosts as the Reds recorded a 6-3 win. Liverpool go into the latest clash between the sides as red-hot favourites but Tottenham will be looking to record an important result ahead of the second leg at Anfield in February.

Spurs will once again be without a number of key players, including James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr who miss out through suspension after receiving two yellow cards apiece in the competition this season. So how exactly will Tottenham line up in Wednesday evening's cup clash? Our football.london Spurs writers have had their say below.

Rob Guest - Football writer

The first call Ange Postecoglou will have to make is whether goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky comes in for his Tottenham bow following his move from Slavia Prague. The Czech ace is eligible to feature after receiving his work permit but Brandon Austin was very impressive on his competitive Spurs debut against Newcastle on Saturday.

As well as Sergio Reguilon did at left-back in the second half, the Spaniard misses out on a start as Pedro Porro, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray and Djed Spence continue in the backline. Lucas Bergvall certainly does deserve to start again after really catching the eye in his game time against the Magpies.

Rodrigo Bentancur will be pushing for a starting spot following his return from suspension, with Yves Bissouma also hoping to get the nod after starting on the bench last weekend. Tottenham's midfield three may all depend on Postecoglou's plans when it comes to Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski.

Johnson would certainly offer more protection for Porro down the right but the boss may believe it is best to move Kulusevski into the front three in order to start his midfield triumvirate of Bergvall, Bentancur and Bissouma. Son Heung-min returns to the Tottenham XI as he takes his place on the left-wing as Dominic Solanke continues through the middle.

Guest's team: Austin; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Bergvall, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son.

Lee Wilmot - Head of Football

How many decisions are there to make in Ange Postecoglou's starting lineup on Wednesday? Perhaps one more than there was before Saturday.

The first decision comes in goal, where personally I would give Brandon Austin the gloves once more after a fine display against Newcastle.

In front of the keeper there are no decisions to make. Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are the full-backs with Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray in the middle.

In midfield there are another couple of decisions to make. With Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison suspended, for me, Lucas Bergvall absolutely deserves another start and I'm going with Rodrigo Bentancur alongside him, with Dejan Kulusevski in the No.10 role.

The front three should be Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min and Dominic Solanke.

Wilmot's team: Austin; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bentancur, Bergvall, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.