Antonio Conte already had the task of lifting Harry Kane after his England penalty miss, and the Italian may now have another issue at Tottenham involving Richarlison.
What’s the story?
Well, Kane will return to Hotspur Way with a broken heart after missing a penalty against Hugo Lloris, although Richarlison has apparently returned with something else broken – his hamstring.
The Evening Standard believe Tottenham’s No.9 could now spend a month on the sidelines after damaging his hamstring in the warm-up before Brazil’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia.
Richarlison played 84 minutes of the clash anyway, but did not look very mobile throughout.
The South American reported back to Hotspur Way a week earlier than planned to undergo scans on his hamstring, with Spurs now fearing he will be out for a month.
If that is the case, Richarlison is likely to miss the Boxing Day trip to Brentford, clashes with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as the FA Cup meeting with Portsmouth.
It will come as hugely frustrating news for Conte, who was without his £60m signing for weeks before the World Cup started as well.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has scored two goals in 15 appearances for Tottenham.
Tottenham cannot blame Richarlison
We understand why supporters – as well as Conte – would be furious with Richarlison for playing against Croatia despite suffering an injury in the warm-up.
However, the World Cup does not come around very often, and for all Richarlison knows, that could have been his final appearance at the iconic tournament.
Nobody knows if the South American will even be in contention to start for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, or if the Seleção will even qualify.
Nothing is certain, so you can surely understand why Richarlison put his body on the line for his country.
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