Overview
- Roberto De Zerbi publicly ruled out Richarlison for all first‑team matches, saying on Monday that the forward will not play even in the Carabao Cup.
- Richarlison had already been omitted from Tottenham’s 25‑man Premier League squad which makes him ineligible for league fixtures while EFL rules had left him technically available for cup games.
- The striker reacted on social media by reposting De Zerbi’s comments with the single word “Why?” and a tearful emoji, underlining the personal toll of the dispute.
- Several summer moves for Richarlison collapsed, including a proposed return to Everton and a late loan to Vasco da Gama, and his representatives have reportedly asked FIFA to consider terminating his contract.
- Tottenham face increased pressure because Richarlison was last season’s top scorer and the club have failed to score in their opening league matches; barring a legal outcome or a new deal the player is expected to remain out of the squad until the January window.