Postecoglou confirms why 48-cap int’l player went off before half-time in Tottenham loss v Liverpool | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur defender Richarlison picked up another calf injury during the 4-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final clash. He has suffered several of those in his time in North London.

The Brazilian international (with 48 caps) recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off and hoped to help Tottenham out of their current rot, but he is back on the treatment table.

Richarlison came off in the 45th minute with the score at 1-0 and was replaced by Mathys Tel, who failed to make much of an impact on his debut as Spurs lost gutlessly.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed what everyone had suspected, saying (via Fabrizio Romano), “It looks like Richarlison suffered a calf injury. It did not look good.”

Richarlison will join Radu Dragusin (knee), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Brennan Johnson (calf), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Timo Werner (hamstring), Cristian Romero (thigh), Dominic Solanke (knee), and Micky van de Ven (hamstring) on the sidelines, adding to Tottenham’s injury woes.

The many injuries have derailed Spurs, but there was no excuse for the pathetic display from the North Londoners against Liverpool. The Reds dominated Tottenham and made a season-defining game a match-up of boys versus men.

Tottenham must sell Richarlison this summer

Tottenham cannot afford to keep hoping that Richarlison will eventually come good. His injury record speaks for itself, and when he is fit, his performances have been far too inconsistent to justify the faith the club has placed in him.

Spurs need reliable players who can contribute every week, especially if they want to compete at the highest level under Postecoglou.

At this point, it makes more sense to cut their losses and move on. The transfer market offers plenty of options, and Tottenham should be looking for a more durable, clinical forward who can provide the consistency Richarlison lacks.

It is time to be ruthless and secure a replacement who can make a difference.