Mohammed Kudus is physically better to start against Liverpool - Roberto De Zerbi

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi says Mohammed Kudus is fit enough to make his first start of the season against Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

The Ghana international has not started a match for Spurs since returning from the long-term injury that ruled him out of the Black Stars' 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign.

Kudus, 25, has made three substitute appearances since the beginning of the 2026-27 season as De Zerbi has carefully managed his return to full fitness.

However, the Italian coach has confirmed the former West Ham midfielder is now ready to start against Liverpool.

"Kudus can start because, in terms of his physical condition, he's better. But James [Maddison] is not yet," De Zerbi said.

The Tottenham boss also suggested Kudus could operate in an attacking midfield role, with the player's versatility allowing him to play as a number 10.

"Kudus can play number 10, more offensive. The idea is to use the characteristics of the players in the first eleven," he added.

Kudus' potential return to the starting line-up will be a boost for Tottenham, who have endured a difficult start to the new campaign.

Spurs have won just one of their five matches this season, with that victory coming against Charlton in the second round of the EFL Cup.

De Zerbi will hope Kudus can provide an attacking spark as Tottenham look to progress in the competition against Liverpool.