Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed Richarlison will not be included in his squad for Tuesday’s League Cup tie against Liverpool, despite Spurs’ ongoing struggles in front of goal.
The Brazilian forward was omitted from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad earlier this month after being informed he was not part of the club’s first-team plans. Although he failed to secure a move away and remains eligible to play in the League Cup, De Zerbi confirmed his situation has not changed.
Richarlison, who rejected a move to Vasco da Gama last week, will therefore miss the trip to Anfield despite having an impressive scoring record against Liverpool during his Tottenham career.
“Richarlison, you already know everything and nothing changes for Carabao Cup or Premier League. The situation is the same,” De Zerbi said.
The decision comes at a difficult time for Tottenham, who have failed to score in their opening four Premier League matches of the season.
De Zerbi explained that he had attempted to convince Richarlison to remain at the club, including proposing a contract extension, but said the forward had decided against staying.
The Italian also stressed that the current dispute is between Richarlison and Tottenham rather than himself and the player.
“At the start of this season I spoke to him many times to convince him to stay and he didn’t want to,” De Zerbi said. “I can’t go every day to pray for him to stay.”
Richarlison, 29, started Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford but was subsequently told he could leave the club. A potential move to former side Everton collapsed, while interest from Trabzonspor also failed to produce a transfer.
The forward was in attendance for Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton but will remain on the sidelines for the League Cup meeting with Liverpool.
Tottenham will also be without Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali for their midweek trip to Anfield.
