Richarlison not fit to play 90 minutes as Ange Postecoglou mulls forward options.

In order to deal with the fallout from Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury,

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged that

Richarlison is not well enough to play for ninety minutes.

Solanke just recently signed a £65 million contract with Spurs,

but he will miss Saturday’s match against Everton due to an ankle

injury he sustained during Monday’s 1-1 draw against Leicester.

Normally, Richarlison would be the one to take Solanke’s place.

But a calf injury kept him from playing a single minute during the preseason, ending his 2024–25 season early.

Postecoglou responded to a question concerning Richarlison by saying,

“He’s fit to start the game since he’s training, but can he play 90 minutes? No.

Thus, that is where the choice is made. Although he played last week,

his match fitness is different, and he hasn’t participated in any preseason games.

“Trying to get Richy fit is the issue with him. Obviously,

since he hasn’t played in a while, we need to exercise a little caution around him.

As previously stated, I’ve always opted for him when he’s healthy and

available since he poses a serious threat to opponents.

He puts in a lot of effort for the club, is a strong finisher,

and has a tremendous physical presence in the box.

“The whole idea is that we can spread that responsibility

and not be so dependent on one guy, but hopefully with Dom in there now.

“I think he’s still at a good age, Richy, where he can still play

some fantastic football for us. We’ve got to make sure we keep

him fit and manage his workload so we can get the best out of him.”

Richarlison had interest from the Saudi Pro League this summer

and could have left if a suitable offer was tabled but the

Brazil forward squashed speculation last month when he declared he would stay.

It was music to the ears of Postecoglou, who added:

“He’s not one we were looking to move on.

Not from my perspective anyway. We need two strikers and that’s what we’ve got.

“Richy is not going anywhere but if he did leave,

I’d definitely sign another striker.

We had that issue last year where we were really short in that area.

“I was playing Deki (Dejan) Kulusevski through there the

whole pre-season because we hadn’t signed Dom and Richy was out.

“It makes a difference to how we play having a striker in there.

It’s really important to us to have two recognised strong strikers in the team.”

Solanke’s untimely injury comes after he featured in all

38 matches for Bournemouth last season but

Postecoglou felt no need to put an arm around the £65million forward.

“It’s not serious enough to keep him out for five weeks.

He’s still a chance for the Newcastle game (on September 1),” Postecoglou revealed.

“He’s a big man and I have always said this to

footballers – nothing runs smoothly. And think of the poor old manager!

“Forget the player, what about me?

I’ve just lost my key striker a-week-and-a-half after

buying him – I need an arm around me. No, it’s all good.”

Postecoglou will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur due

to concussion protocols but Yves Bissouma may have to

settle for a place on the bench after being suspended by the club for the

Premier League opener after a video showed him inhaling nitrous oxide.

He added: “You know what it’s like when you punish your

child and they do everything right for the next two days?

“He’s first in the meetings, he’s doing everything right but

there’s always temptation down the road, so we’ll see.

“I’ve always believed in opportunity for redemption and learning.

We’re still in that space at the moment with Biss.

But obviously that door closes after a while if there’s repeated (indiscretions).”

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