Mathys Tel was one of the big stories of what turned out to be a reasonably quiet transfer deadline day on February 3.
The Bayern Munich forward signed for Spurs on loan until the end of the season just days after rejecting the club’s initial offer of a permanent transfer.
There was reported interest in the player from Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but after none of those clubs persisted with negotiations, Spurs were able to secure a dramatic deal.
WIN: Sign up here for the ultimate Spurs superfan experience with ExpressVPN
He joins at a potentially decisive moment in their season. The Londoners face Liverpool in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals this week, before an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Aston Villa and a Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Will we see a Tel debut an Anfield?
MORE: Full predicted lineups and team news for Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Can Mathys Tel play against Liverpool in Carabao Cup?
Assuming that his work permit and international clearance are processed quickly, Tel would be eligible to play against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup this week.
Teams do not need to register limited squads for the tournament as they do for, say, the UEFA Champions League — as per EFL rules, you are a “registered player” for the Carabao Cup provided that you’re registered for your club’s league — and Tel is obviously not cup-tied as he has not played in the competition for another club this season.
The only caveat in the rules is that the parent club of players out on loan must give written consent for those players to be permitted to play in the Carabao Cup, but there is no reason why Bayern would have any issue with Tel playing in a tournament in which they have no interest. This regulation is more aimed at English sides who have loaned players to other teams in the competition.
Whether Ange Postecoglou would want to put him straight into the team so quickly is another matter, but as long as the necessary documentation is sorted in time, there is nothing to stop Tel making his debut on Thursday.
Liverpool vs Tottenham live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this EFL Cup semifinal match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
