Richarlison Left Out of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup Clash With Liverpool
Richarlison’s Tottenham career appears to have reached a fresh low after Roberto De Zerbi ruled the Brazilian out of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool, despite the forward remaining eligible for the competition.
The 28-year-old was omitted from Spurs’ 25-man Premier League squad, but that registration decision does not prevent him from featuring in the League Cup. De Zerbi nevertheless made clear that he has no intention of selecting the striker for the Liverpool match.
“Richarlison will not play even though he is available,” De Zerbi said. “Not in the Carabao Cup either.”
Richarlison responded publicly after the remarks were circulated online, posting “Why?” alongside a tearful emoji. The exchange has highlighted the scale of the breakdown between the player and the club.
De Zerbi insisted the dispute is not solely a coaching decision, describing it as an issue involving Richarlison and Tottenham’s wider hierarchy. He said he was acting alongside the club rather than independently of it.
Summer exit attempts failed
The forward had sought a move away during the summer transfer period. A deadline-day switch back to Everton did not materialise, while talks with Vasco da Gama also ended without agreement after the parties failed to settle personal terms.
De Zerbi said he had repeatedly attempted to persuade Richarlison to remain at Tottenham at the beginning of the campaign, but the player had been determined to leave. The Spurs manager said he could not continue asking the forward every day to change his mind.
Richarlison and his representatives are now pursuing a negotiated release from his Tottenham contract. His camp is also considering taking the matter to FIFA if an agreement cannot be reached.
A successful termination would make Richarlison a free agent, allowing him to sign for another club before the January transfer window opens. For now, however, he will not be involved when Tottenham face Liverpool on Tuesday.
