Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has ruled out Richarlison returning to the team, even for the Carabao Cup, despite Spurs’ severe shortage of goals.
The 29-year-old was omitted from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad earlier this month after pushing for a move away during the summer. Although he remains eligible for domestic cup competitions, De Zerbi has made clear that he will not be selected.
De Zerbi rules out Richarlison return
Speaking before Tottenham’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool, De Zerbi was asked whether the Brazil international could feature.
“Richarlison will NOT play even if he’s available. Not even in the Carabao Cup, no,” he said.
The decision leaves Tottenham without a player who finished last season as their leading Premier League scorer, with 12 league goals. Richarlison has scored 32 goals and provided 15 assists in more than 130 appearances for the club.
It comes at a difficult moment for Spurs, who have failed to score in their opening four Premier League matches. That is the longest goalless start to a league season in the club’s history.
Richarlison’s future had already become uncertain after he rejected a contract extension and repeatedly made clear that he wanted to leave. De Zerbi has subsequently chosen to move forward with other attacking options.
Tottenham are instead relying on Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Savio, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel. De Zerbi’s position means Richarlison is set to remain outside the manager’s plans while the dispute over his future remains unresolved.
