Boost for Spurs as forward’s injury isn’t as bad as first thought

Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United on Wednesday in the pick of the midweek round of Premier League fixtures. 

Antonio Conte’s side, who currently sit in third place in the Premier League, travel to Old Trafford to face fifth-placed United in a clash that could prove crucial in the battle for a top four spot.

Spurs’ latest outing saw them beat Everton 2-0, but it wasn’t all good news for The Lilywhites as Richarlison was forced off through injury shortly after half-time.

The Brazilian was pictured leaving The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on crutches and broke down in tears when speaking to media afterwards, with rumours since suggesting that the player may miss the World Cup.

Now, though, Conte has given an update on the player’s fitness and it appears that the injury isn’t as bad as first thought.

“The player is not risking to miss the World Cup, absolutely not,” Conte said, as reported by BBC Sport. 

“He has an injury but it is not a serious injury. I hope he can play games for us before the World Cup.”

The Italian did, however, reveal that the player will definitely not be available for selection against The Red Devils on Wednesday.

Richarlison has only scored in one of his 13 games for Spurs so far

Conte’s comments will be welcomed by Spurs fans, with a daunting run of fixtures facing the club between now and the mid-season break in November.

Richarlison, 25, joined Spurs from Everton over the summer for a fee of £60 million and has since made 13 appearances for the club.

He netted his first goals for Tottenham during their 2-0 Champions League win over Marseille last month, scoring both goals, but he is yet to net in the Premier League since making the move to London.

During his time on Merseyside, the Brazil international netted 53 times in 152 games across all competitions, as well as registering 14 assists.

The forward is expected to be part of the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup, and boasts an impressive tally of 16 goals in 37 appearances for his country at senior level.

Spurs are scheduled to play eight games in less than a month between now and the break, including against both Manchester United and Liverpool.