Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi has confirmed that striker Richarlison will not feature in any competitions this season due to ongoing friction between the player and the club.

  • Manager Roberto de Zerbi has officially sidelined Richarlison for the remainder of the season.
  • The exclusion extends to the EFL Cup, despite Tottenham's scoring struggles.
  • The conflict stems from failed contract extension talks and transfer disputes.

Tottenham Hotspur is embroiled in a high-stakes internal conflict that threatens to derail their season. Manager Roberto de Zerbi has taken a definitive stand against Brazilian striker Richarlison, announcing that the player will not be included in any upcoming matchday squads, including the highly anticipated EFL Cup clash against Liverpool.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, a visibly frustrated De Zerbi addressed the growing rift. "I spoke to him many times to convince him to stay and he didn’t want to. I can’t go every day to pray for him to stay," the manager remarked. De Zerbi emphasized that while the club offered a contract extension, the breakdown in communication has now become a matter between the player and the club hierarchy.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this standoff comes at the worst possible time for Spurs. With a squad that has seen 10 new signings but has failed to find the back of the net in four Premier League matches, the loss of a senior striker—even a controversial one—exacerbates an already fragile tactical situation.

"Richarlison will not play even if he’s available. Not even in the Carabao Cup, no."

The situation was further highlighted by Richarlison's own social media activity, where he responded to reports of his exclusion with a crying emoji. The striker had previously expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that he would no longer allow others to decide his professional future, citing past experiences of pressure and retaliation.

Adding to the turmoil, Richarlison's attempts to secure a move away from North London during the summer transfer window fell through, with failed moves to Vasco da Gama and Everton leaving him stuck in a state of limbo. This has created a toxic atmosphere within the dressing room during a period where the team's performance has hit an all-time low.

Statistically, Tottenham's start to the 2026 season has been disastrous. The club has managed only two points from their opening four Premier League fixtures and, most alarmingly, has yet to score a single goal. Their recent 0-0 draw against Everton marked the longest scoreless start in the club's history.

Historical Background

Tottenham Hotspur has a long history of navigating high-profile player departures and internal politics. However, the combination of a goal drought and a public fallout with a marquee player like Richarlison is reminiscent of the club's most turbulent eras, placing immense pressure on De Zerbi's leadership.

Did You Know?: Tottenham's current goal drought is the longest recorded start to a season in the history of the club.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why isn't Richarlison playing for Tottenham?
The manager cited a lack of commitment from the player to stay at the club despite efforts to extend his contract.

2. Can Richarlison leave in the next transfer window?
While his future is uncertain, his current relationship with the club makes a smooth transition difficult.