Brazil boss Dorival Junior has indicated that Richarlison’s injury is not as bad as initially feared and that the striker should return to fitness ‘soon’.
Ange Postecoglou confirmed in his press conference last Friday that Richarlison has picked up a knee injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for two to three weeks (Football.London).
However, less than 24 hours later, Tottenham’s number nine was named in the Brazil squad for their upcoming friendlies against England and Spain later this month.
With the friendlies set to be played on March 23 and March 26 respectively, the selection suggested that the Selecao set-up were confident the striker would make a quick recovery.
Following Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Richarlison told journalist Castelo-Branco that there is even a chance that he could be fit for Spurs’ trip to Villa Park on March 10.
Richarlison is expected to return soon
The Brazil boss himself has now clarified the Spurs star’s selection, revealing that the team doctor got in touch with the 26-year-old and remains optimistic that he will be back in action soon.
Dorival Junior told Globo Esporte about Richarlison’s injury: “Doctor Rodrigo Lasmar got in touch this morning as soon as the news hit the websites, they’re optimistic, they’ve lined up the situation.
“He’ll probably miss his team’s next match, but it’s possible that he’ll be fit soon. From what they’ve been told, they don’t see a situation that’s a problem, not least because they believe in a quick solution.”
Spurs Web Opinion
We already know that Postecoglou tends to give a pessimistic time frame for the return of his injured players, perhaps because he wants to plan for the worst.
So, it does seem like Richarlison will be back sooner than initially expected, although I would be surprised if he is available for the Villa clash as the Australian would not want to risk the forward unless he is 100 per cent.