Expert ‘fears’ for Richarlison after Tottenham ‘blow’ – ‘it’s big’
Noel Whelan has backed Richarlison to start alongside Harry Kane in a two-man Tottenham strike force when he returns from a new injury layoff.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested an injury will have been “the biggest fear” for the 25-year-old and his club ahead of a fixture-packed festive schedule.
Richarlison is on the treatment table at Tottenham after suffering a hamstring problem while at the World Cup with Brazil.
Football Insider medical expert Ben Dinnery has claimed (14 December) the forward may not be fit to feature for Antonio Conte’s side until 2023 – with a “four-week” layoff possible.
He scored three goals in four Brazil games while leading their line at the World Cup – but is yet to score his first Tottenham goal in the Premier League.
Richarlison, who signed for Spurs in the summer for a reported £60million, has already missed six games this term with a calf problem.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He looked a lot better going through the middle.
“It was a fantastic World Cup for him. He showed real quality and class while he was out there.
“This injury is a massive blow for him personally, to lose that momentum.
“But Conte will have looked at those Brazil games, and I think he will have seen what everyone else did.
“Richarlison is probably more effective going through the centre. Could he play in a two-man strike force with Kane?
“Can Kane play behind Richarlison? He likes to drop in.
“An injury would have been the biggest fear for both Richarlison and Conte. Tottenham need these options in this busy period.”
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