De Zerbi Draws A Hard Line On Richarlison As Spurs’ Cup Plans Take Shape

• Richarlison left out of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup squad to face Liverpool
• Brazilian rejected new deal; omitted from 25-man Premier League list
• De Zerbi targets cup run; Porro and Tonali sidelined

Roberto De Zerbi has made his stance crystal clear: Richarlison won’t travel to Anfield for Tottenham’s Carabao Cup tie. Eligible for domestic cups despite being cut from Spurs’ 25-man Premier League squad, the Brazilian still doesn’t make the cut — even with a tidy record of four in seven versus Liverpool and Spurs yet to score in the league this season. If you’re weighing up form and futures, our guide to the best football betting sites has you covered.

De Zerbi Draws A Line Under The Saga

De Zerbi insists the situation is unchanged across competitions. He’s keeping it between coach and club, stressing he offered Richarlison a contract extension at the start of the season, only for the forward to decline. “I can’t keep going back to beg,” is the message in all but words — and it tallies with the decision to exclude him again.

The story’s dragged on far too long. Richarlison started the opener at Brentford, was then told he could leave; an Everton return fell through, links to Trabzonspor fizzled out, and on Friday he rejected terms with boyhood club Vasco da Gama. He watched Spurs draw 0-0 with Everton, then fired a pointed “Why?” — tears emoji and all — in response to Fabrizio Romano’s post confirming De Zerbi’s call. It’s become an unnecessary sideshow when Spurs need clarity and goals.

Squad Choices And Cup Ambitions

Injuries and absences bite — Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali are out — but De Zerbi still talks up the options. Expect minutes for the so‑called “other players,” though he won’t flip the XI on its head. He name‑checked Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel, while at centre-back he’s spoilt: JP van Hecke and Micky van de Ven lead the way, with Marcos Senesi, Ben Davies and Tosin Adarabioyo not far behind. The intent is obvious: “I’d like to go far in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.”

From a pundit’s perch, this is about standards. De Zerbi’s drawing a line — either Richarlison finds an exit before doors close or he buys back in completely. For now, the manager’s selection says more than any press conference. And with Liverpool away up next, there’s no room for passengers.

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