The 26-year-old got off the mark for the new campaign against Fulham in the second round of the EFL Cup in midweek, although his efforts were in vain as Spurs were eliminated on penalties.
Richarlison, though, was unable to reach the 12-yard line in the shootout after being withdrawn in the second half with an apparent ankle injury.
The absence of the Brazil international this weekend would have left Spurs bereft of options in the number nine position, as Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett both left the club on loan during the summer window.
Brennan Johnson’s arrival from Nottingham Forest was not confirmed until 11 p.m. on deadline day, implying that the Welshman will not make his debut until after the international break, but Richarlison should be given the go-ahead to play, according to the Evening Standard.
The former Everton man will thus be expected to start in the front of the attack as he attempts to rekindle his Tottenham career, having only scored four goals in 39 appearances for the club thus far.
Despite his problems in front of goal, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has stated that he was not “unhappy” with Richarlison before he opened his season account and is instead focused on how the South American’s entire game can aid the squad.
“I guess because everyone talks about it, and I’m not in Richy’s head to really know how people feel, but I guess it stops people talking about the fact that he didn’t score,” Postecoglou said before the game.
“I appreciated his contribution. I remarked the other night that he wasn’t playing at the same level as the prior three games, but he gets a goal, and everyone will focus on the goal.
“But I’m still thinking about Richy’s contribution to the team and what he needs to do for us to keep improving as a team.” But he’s not alone; they’re all in the same boat.
“But I understand that anything that gives a player confidence is beneficial, especially for strikers.” Because that is obviously what people are focused on. But I wasn’t upset with Richy before he scored.”
While Richarlison is expected to be available, Postecoglou stated that Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso will miss the game due to a quadriceps injury, adding Spurs’ four other known absentees.
Bryan Gil (groin), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), and Alfie Whiteman (ankle) are all recovering from procedures, while Eric Dier is reportedly nursing a slight ailment and will not play.
In any case, the Englishman has been kept out of Postecoglou’s squad in the early stages of the season, despite failing to leave Tottenham Hotspur before the English transfer window closed at 11 p.m. on Friday.
Hugo Lloris, the club’s former first-choice goalkeeper, is also in the final year of his contract and is said to have turned down offers to Nice, Newcastle United, and Saudi Arabia.
