Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Richarlison will not be included in the squad for the club’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite the Brazilian forward being eligible to play in cup competitions, De Zerbi reiterated that the striker remains outside his first-team plans and will continue to be omitted as Tottenham seek to address their ongoing goal-scoring difficulties.
Richarlison was Tottenham’s top scorer last season with 12 goals but has struggled to find form this term amid a complex transfer saga. The player reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club during the summer transfer window, with potential moves to Everton, Turkish side Trabzonspor, and Vasco da Gama falling through due to disagreements over personal terms. Most recently, Richarlison declined a contract extension offered by Tottenham, according to De Zerbi, who said the decision marked the end of negotiations from the coaching perspective.
“We have qualities to score goals,” De Zerbi said, acknowledging the team’s current inability to convert chances after failing to score in their first four Premier League games this season. Spurs have suffered an embarrassing goal drought despite creating multiple scoring opportunities. De Zerbi emphasized his confidence in the squad and his commitment to a long-term project, encouraging his forwards to maintain belief in their abilities. “If we want to change from the last two seasons, we have to be stronger and believe in the quality of the players and the decisions we made one month ago,” he said.
The coach also highlighted that while Richarlison started in the opening-day 3-0 loss at Brentford, the player's current status remains unchanged, and regular selection will focus on players aligned with the club’s direction. De Zerbi has also faced squad challenges with injuries ahead of the Liverpool fixture, as midfielder Sandro Tonali will miss out due to a knock, and Pedro Porro remains sidelined.
Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, come into the tie following a 0-0 draw with Fulham that left the coach openly frustrated. After promising performances against Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid, Iraola acknowledged the inconsistency in his squad's display and cautioned that adapting to his style will involve fluctuating results. “We have to accept that there are going to be ups and downs in the process,” the Liverpool head coach said.
The Carabao Cup encounter thus presents a crucial opportunity for both sides: Tottenham aims to break their scoring drought and build momentum, while Liverpool seeks to rebound from recent disappointment on home turf.