Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has admitted Richarlison is not fit enough to play 90 minutes as he deals with the implication of Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury.
Solanke only joined Spurs earlier this month in a £65million move but will miss Saturday’s visit of Everton after he took a whack to his ankle during the 1-1 draw at Leicester on Monday.
Richarlison would ordinarily be in line to replace Solanke. However, he failed to play a single minute in pre-season due to a calf injury which ended his 2024-25 campaign prematurely.
Asked about Richarlison, Postecoglou said: “He’s fit to start the game because he’s training but can he play 90 minutes? No.
“So, that’s where the decision lies. He came on last week but match fitness is different and he hasn’t played a minute in pre-season.
“That’s the thing with Richy, it’s trying to get him fit. Obviously we have to be a little bit careful with him because he hasn’t played for quite a while.
“I’ve said before, whenever he’s been fit and available, I’ve always chosen him because he’s a handful for oppositions. He’s a real physical presence in the box, he’s a good finisher, he works hard for the team.
“But hopefully now getting Dom in, the whole idea is that we can share that workload and not be so reliant on one player.
“I think he’s still at a good age, Richy, where he can still play some fantastic football for us. We’ve got to make sure we keep him fit and manage his workload so we can get the best out of him.”
Richarlison had interest from the Saudi Pro League this summer and could have left if a suitable offer was tabled but the Brazil forward squashed speculation last month when he declared he would stay.
It was music to the ears of Postecoglou, who added: “He’s not one we were looking to move on. Not from my perspective anyway. We need two strikers and that’s what we’ve got.
“Richy is not going anywhere but if he did leave, I’d definitely sign another striker. We had that issue last year where we were really short in that area.
“I was playing Deki (Dejan) Kulusevski through there the whole pre-season because we hadn’t signed Dom and Richy was out.
“It makes a difference to how we play having a striker in there. It’s really important to us to have two recognised strong strikers in the team.”
Solanke’s untimely injury comes after he featured in all 38 matches for Bournemouth last season but Postecoglou felt no need to put an arm around the £65million forward.
“It’s not serious enough to keep him out for five weeks. He’s still a chance for the Newcastle game (on September 1),” Postecoglou revealed.
“He’s a big man and I have always said this to footballers – nothing runs smoothly. And think of the poor old manager!
“Forget the player, what about me? I’ve just lost my key striker a-week-and-a-half after buying him – I need an arm around me. No, it’s all good.”
Postecoglou will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur due to concussion protocols but Yves Bissouma may have to settle for a place on the bench after being suspended by the club for the Premier League opener after a video showed him inhaling nitrous oxide.
He added: “You know what it’s like when you punish your child and they do everything right for the next two days?
“He’s first in the meetings, he’s doing everything right but there’s always temptation down the road, so we’ll see.
“I’ve always believed in opportunity for redemption and learning. We’re still in that space at the moment with Biss. But obviously that door closes after a while if there’s repeated (indiscretions).”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
