On the 31st of January, which has been deadline day in the past, Spurs had only signed one player - Antonin Kinsky from Sparta Prague, whilst making zero outfield signings. Three days later, they had another two signings. On Saturday evening, they hijacked Kevin Danso's pending move to Wolves, and then confirmed the signing of Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, despite the player initially rejecting a move.
There was immediate clamour for both players to be introduced to the starting XI for the Carabao Cup semi final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield, though both players needed international clearances, so there was a bit of doubt. However, Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that both players will be available for the game, in an absolutely huge boost.
Ange gives big team news boost ahead of tomorrow evening
Spurs are up against it here as it is, given the quality of Liverpool this season. For Ange to have Danso and Tel at his disposal for the game is absolutely huge, as they try to defy the odds and get to the final.
Furthermore, Ange also confirmed that Micky van de Ven has not reinjured himself, amidst plenty of rumours after the central defender was not in the match day squad for the victory over Brentford in the Premier League last Sunday.
Given the 23-year old was able to start and play 45 mintues against Elfsborg (albeit, a lower intensity game) seven days earlier, you would like to have some cautious optimism that he would be able to start at Anfield. Could we see a duo of van de Ven and Danso on Thursday evening? Ange has said he won't risk the Dutchman, but perhaps that is mind games.
It should be said that Ben Davies was excellent in the win over Brentford, and is far from a bad player. However, with the speed in Liverpool's attack with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, you worry about his pace, or lack there of for this game, To have a duo as mobile as van de Ven and Danso would be absolutely massive.
That said, Spurs will know that you should not rush players back. If ever there was a game it was tempting to do so, it would be this one - with this game being more important than any league game, but it would still feel very risky. In addition, Spurs have another extra important cup game, against Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round, just three days and under 72 hours after this game. So, overall, it is not worth playing him unless he is absolutely 100%.