Richarlison ready to return to the Tottenham squad vs Arsenal
Wednesday’s game in the Premier League is as big as it gets for Tottenham Hotspur as they prepare to take on fiercest rivals Arsenal in the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Spurs lost the season’s first instalment of the North London derby 1-0 thanks to a second-half Gabriel Magalhaes header, so revenge will be in their sights. Ange Postecoglou’s side come into the game on the back of an encouraging cup run, having defeated Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and Tamworth FC in the FA Cup third round. However, their Premier League form remains a concern, with no wins in their last four outings.
Heading into the heated derby, the Lilywhites needed some kind of a boost to the squad and they have got one. Facing the media for the pre-match duties, Ange Postecoglou provided a positive injury update on Richarlison. He told Football London.
“The only one who picked up an injury was Timo [Werner]. It’s a hamstring injury and we’re waiting on the results of that scan. In terms of incoming, Richy is available.”
Postecoglou had already hinted that Richarlison was eyeing a comeback from injury against Arsenal. The Brazilian forward has been in and out of the Spurs side this season owing to hamstring issues. He has barely featured for the North Londoners this season. Back-to-back hamstring injuries have restricted him to just five Premier League appearances, with his last outing coming during the 4-1 home win over Aston Villa at the start of November.
The 27-year-old has struggled to find his feet at Tottenham ever since joining from Everton back in 2022. He has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of the White Hart Lane faithful thanks to his persistent fitness issues and inconsistent displays.
The South American missing the majority of the first half of this season further demonstrates that it is tough for Big Ange to rely on him. The club’s medical team will need to manage Richarlison carefully as it will take some time for him to get to full speed after being sidelined for more than two months.
Expected to start on the bench in midweek, Richarlison should be raring to make a difference for Tottenham if called upon by the head coach as they try to compound Arsenal’s misery and extinguish their title hopes.
