Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi said in London on Monday, 14 September 2026, that forward Richarlison de Andrade will not be in the squad for Tuesday’s League Cup tie at Liverpool.
Richarlison, 29, was left off Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League list after being told he was outside first-team plans.
Also read: Andoni Iraola warns Liverpool of inconsistent performances
He did not leave in the window, so he remains eligible for the League Cup. De Zerbi rules Richarlison out anyway. “Richarlison, you already know everything and nothing changes for the Carabao (League) Cup or the Premier League. The situation is the same.”
The Brazilian started the opening Premier League match at Brentford, then was told he could go. A return to Everton collapsed.
Talks involving Trabzonspor came to nothing. Last week he turned down Vasco da Gama.
He was at Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Everton as a spectator. He has a useful record against Liverpool, which is why the omission stings a side that has yet to score in four league games.
De Zerbi said he had tried to keep him. “What I have done at the beginning of this season has been to speak with him and to propose an extension of the contract. If he said, ‘No, thank you,’ I finished my job.” He would not narrate the past 45 days. “It’s not right if I explain. It’s not my behaviour. The relationship, the problem is between the player and the club.” He added that he would not “go every day to pray for him to stay.”
Right-back Pedro Porro and midfielder Sandro Tonali are also out of the Anfield trip.
The story, then, is not a late fitness test. It is a player in limbo and a coach who says the club and the bench are one position.
Also read: Andoni Iraola warns Liverpool of inconsistent performances
Tottenham still need a goal. Richarlison still needs a club that wants him in the XI. Tuesday will not settle either need.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
