Tottenham’s early-season unease has found a new focal point, with Roberto De Zerbi making clear that Richarlison will not be brought back into his plans for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.
Tottenham leave Richarlison out of Liverpool cup tie
The Brazilian forward is already absent from Spurs’ Premier League squad, but he would have been eligible for the League Cup. De Zerbi has nevertheless ruled out using him in the third-round fixture at Liverpool.
“He will not play, even if he is available,” the Tottenham manager said. “Not in the Carabao Cup either.”
A strained relationship after the summer window
- De Zerbi said he spoke to Richarlison several times during pre-season in an attempt to persuade him to remain at Tottenham.
- The 29-year-old told the manager he did not want to stay, prompting De Zerbi to say he would not spend every day pleading with a player to remain.
- The Italian added that the dispute was between Richarlison and the club, while stressing that his own position was firmly with Tottenham.
- Richarlison responded on social media with a crying emoji and the single-word question: “Why?”
Richarlison came close to departing before the summer transfer window shut. A proposed loan move to Vasco da Gama collapsed late in the window, while a return to Everton was also discussed. Trabzonspor, where Mohamed Salah plays, made an offer as well, but none of the possible moves was completed.
Spurs face another difficult week
Tottenham are third from bottom after four Premier League matches, sitting only one point clear of the relegation places. It is an uncomfortable start for a side which secured survival only on the final day of last season.
Richarlison has been at Spurs since 2022, when the club paid Everton €58 million for him. For now, however, a player signed at substantial cost is watching from outside the group while Tottenham attempt to find some stability, beginning with a demanding cup night at Liverpool.
SEO Title: Tottenham’s Richarlison row deepens before Liverpool Carabao Cup tie
SEO Description: Roberto De Zerbi confirms Richarlison will not play for Tottenham against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup as Spurs sit third from bottom in the Premier League.
