Tottenham Leave Richarlison Out Again for Liverpool Carabao Cup Clash

Richarlison Left Out of Tottenham Squad for Liverpool Carabao Cup Tie

Tottenham travel to Anfield for the Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool without Richarlison, after manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the striker will again be left out. The decision follows back-to-back 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton, leaving Spurs short on goals.

Competition: Carabao Cup
Fixture: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
Venue: Anfield
Headline decision: Richarlison will not be involved
Context: Spurs have drawn their last two Premier League games 0-0
Status: Richarlison remains out of the Premier League squad and cup plans

What was said

"Richarlison, you already know everything, nothing has changed for the Carabao Cup or Premier League. The situation is the same (he will not be involved)."
— Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager

"I said last press conference, I know what happened in the last 45 days. It's not right if I explain. It's not my behaviour."
— Roberto De Zerbi on the breakdown

"It is the relationship and the problem is with the player and the club. I spoke with him many times to convince him to stay and he didn't want to. I can't go [about] every day to pray for him to stay."
— Roberto De Zerbi on his talks with Richarlison

De Zerbi's words leave no room for interpretation. The manager has drawn a clear line: Richarlison will not feature in the Carabao Cup or the Premier League until the situation changes. The striker was left out of the Premier League squad earlier this month, and despite being eligible for the Carabao Cup, he will not play at Anfield.

The Italian also hinted at a fractured relationship that goes beyond football. His refusal to elaborate on the last 45 days suggests internal issues that he believes are not for public consumption. What is certain is that De Zerbi has moved on, and Spurs must find goals from elsewhere.

Deal details

Richarlison pushed to leave during the summer transfer window and also rejected a contract extension. De Zerbi wanted to keep last season's top scorer, but there was never any appetite to force the issue if the player had already made up his mind.

Spurs then explored exits late in the window. Everton were part of that conversation, but a return stalled over personal terms. Similar problems emerged in talks with Trabzonspor and Vasco Da Gama. In short, interest existed, agreement did not.

The result is the worst outcome for everyone. Tottenham do not have the player available, Richarlison does not have the move he wanted, and the squad carries an avoidable distraction into a difficult game at Anfield.

Injury and availability

Tottenham will be without Richarlison for the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool. The striker is not injured; he is simply not part of the manager's plans. No other injuries are mentioned in the source.

Why De Zerbi is right to move on from Richarlison

Roberto De Zerbi has made the only call he could. A player who has rejected a contract, asked to leave, and seen moves to Everton, Trabzonspor and Vasco Da Gama collapse cannot be relied upon. Keeping him around the first team would only prolong a distraction that has already dragged on for 45 days. Tottenham's back-to-back 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton have exposed a goalscoring problem, but Richarlison is not the solution while his head is elsewhere.

On the pitch, Spurs must now find goals from other sources. De Zerbi's side have been solid defensively but blunt in attack. Liverpool away is a punishing test for any team, let alone one missing its last season's top scorer. The Carabao Cup represents a chance for fringe players to stake a claim, but the absence of a recognised striker puts extra pressure on the supporting forwards to deliver.

The long-term picture is equally concerning. Richarlison remains stuck between contracts, squads and plans. The club tried to move him on but failed to agree terms with any suitor. Until a resolution is found, the situation will continue to hang over the squad. De Zerbi's decision to exclude him entirely is a clear signal that he will not allow the saga to disrupt his team's preparation.

Talking points

Should Tottenham have accepted a lower fee or covered part of Richarlison's wages to force a summer exit, rather than keeping an unhappy player?
With back-to-back 0-0 draws, is De Zerbi's refusal to use Richarlison cutting off his nose to spite his face?
Does Richarlison's rejection of a contract extension and failed moves show a lack of professionalism, or was he right to seek a fresh start?
If Spurs lose at Anfield and struggle for goals, will the pressure on De Zerbi intensify?

What happens next

Tottenham face Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup. A positive result would ease the pressure on De Zerbi and keep Spurs in the competition. The January transfer window offers both parties a chance to end the stand-off, with Richarlison likely to be available if a suitable offer arrives. Until then, Spurs must find a way to score without him.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Richarlison not in the Tottenham squad for Liverpool?

Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that nothing has changed for the Carabao Cup or Premier League, and Richarlison will not be involved. The striker was also left out of the Premier League squad earlier this month.

Which clubs tried to sign Richarlison in the summer?

Everton were part of the conversation, but a return stalled over personal terms. Talks with Trabzonspor and Vasco Da Gama also failed to reach an agreement.