In north London, Richarlison returned to the scoresheet with Tottenham’s under-21 side on Tuesday, a small but notable appearance for a forward still outside the senior team picture.
The Brazilian started against Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy and scored once in a 2-2 draw. Tottenham’s young side then lost the shootout 7-6 after regular time, although Richarlison converted his own penalty.
A rare outing this season
The match was Richarlison’s second official appearance of the 2026/27 campaign. His only previous outing came in Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford.
The EFL Trophy brings together academy teams from leading clubs and sides from England’s third and fourth tiers, offering Tottenham’s younger players a different competitive setting. For Richarlison, it also provided match minutes while he remains absent from the first-team squad.
Transfer uncertainty shaped his situation
After the opening league match, Richarlison expressed his desire to leave Tottenham, but a move did not materialise. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi subsequently omitted the striker from Tottenham’s registered Premier League squad.
His goal against Cheltenham does not alter that registration status, but it gives the 29-year-old a first scoring moment of the season as he waits for clarity on his future in the capital.
