Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini has hinted that Richarlison won’t start against Nottingham Forest tonight.
During his pre-match press conference, the Italian was quizzed on which players Antonio Conte might choose.
He did keep his cards somewhat close to his chest but there was an intriguing claim made about Richarlison.
The summer signing has been missing recently through injury but he has been stepping up his rehabilitation.
Richarlison had just started to hit some form and in nine games for Spurs, he’s scored twice and claimed three assists.
The attacker hasn’t played since October during a 2-0 win over Everton but he is now on the mend.
It would appear that the game against Forest tonight might come too soon though.
Stellini told Football London: “Richarlison is back in training from yesterday (Monday). We are very happy to see him again with us.
“He’s an available player but thinking that he has only had two days of training with the team.”
Richarlison made a big money move to Tottenham during the summer transfer window from Everton.
Spurs paid £60 million for the player and big things will be expected of him in North London.
Stellini has hinted that Richarlison won’t start at Forest
Brennan Johnson might have been looking forward to a reunion with the forward tomorrow.
During the league game against Spurs, the Forest man took offence to some showboating and went in hard on Richarlison.
Being totally honest though, his absence will hand Forest a boost.
The 25-year-old is a sound player on his day and when he came on in the league he did cause Forest problems.
Richarlison is a player who can smell blood when the chips are down within the opposition camp.
That might be the case at Forest and if he doesn’t play it will certainly help Forest’s case for an upset.
Richarlison is a £175,000-a-week player and it will be interesting to see what role he does play, if any, this evening.
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