Tottenham Hotspur have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool, with deadline day loan signing Mathys Tel declared fit and available for selection.
The 19-year-old forward, who made a dramatic switch from Bayern Munich, is joined by fellow new arrival Kevin Danso in being cleared to play.
Tel’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium capped a frantic end to the January transfer window.
The highly-rated youngster was the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United, but Spurs ultimately won the race for his signature, securing a loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Danso, an Austrian international defender, joined earlier in the week, bolstering Tottenham’s injury-stricken backline.
His signing, secured after Tottenham beat Wolves to his signature, comes as a welcome relief for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham hold a slender 1-0 advantage going into the second leg at Anfield, having secured a narrow victory over Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the first leg earlier in January.
However, the trip to Merseyside presents a daunting challenge, especially given Tottenham’s extensive injury list.
Postecoglou confirmed the availability of both new signings, stating, “Kevin [Danso] and Mathys [Tel] are both available, have trained and cleared to play, so they’re all good.”
This news comes as a timely boost for the Spurs boss, who is grappling with a lengthy injury list that includes key players such as Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, and James Maddison.
Tel’s versatility across the front three offers Postecoglou valuable options in attack, while Danso’s arrival strengthens a depleted defense. With Cristian Romero still regaining full fitness and Radu Dragusin recently sidelined with a torn ACL, Danso could be thrust straight into the starting lineup.
Despite the positive news regarding Tel and Danso, Postecoglou remains cautious about the fitness of other returning players.
Micky van de Ven, who recently returned from injury, will not be risked against Liverpool, with Postecoglou emphasizing the need for a conservative approach to his recovery.
“With Micky, and Romero to a certain extent, I kind of feel we have to be conservative with them,” he explained. “Micky got through the game (against Elfsborg) alright but I don’t think he feels ready for the step up in intensity.”
