Richarlison injury update emerges ahead of Tottenham v Elfsborg
Ange Postecoglou will be a relieved man after Richarlison was spotted training for Tottenham ahead of their clash with Elfsborg.
Jeremy Langdon reported on Sky Sports News (29 January, 12:18pm) live from Spurs’ Enfield training centre, having seen Richarlison out on the grass after being forced off against Leicester City on Sunday.
The Lilywhites host the Swedish Allsvenskan side on Thursday (30 January) knowing a win will secure straight passage to the Europa League last 16, and having Richarlison would be a huge boost for Postecoglou.
Langdon said: “Richarlison is okay – he’s out there training today despite coming off on Sunday.”
Richarlison can be difference-maker for Tottenham v Elfsborg
Injuries have bitten hard in North London so far this season – as is reflected by Spurs’ league form and Postecoglou’s job hanging by a thread – but few players have been affected quite like Richarlison.
In the Premier League and Europa League this term, the Brazilian has been limited to barely 320 minutes of action – fewer than four full games – and his performance numbers imply how he’s been so sorely missed.
Particularly on the continent, Richarlison has 0.81 xG per 90 minutes [FotMob], and while that includes his successful penalty against AZ Alkmaar, he’s also averaging 3.75 shots per 90, with 1.5 on target.
That drops slightly to 2.26 shots per 90 in the Premier League, but Richarlison has netted 0.9 goals per game in his 199 domestic minutes, with 0.85 expected goals on target [xGOT – FotMob].
With 1.36 chances created per 90 and a 100 per cent accuracy from attempted long balls, the 27-year-old’s link-up play will be a key factor if Spurs are to avoid a slip-up against Elfsborg on Thursday.
Richarlison is yet to be dispossessed on the ball in Spurs’ Europa League matches, as well as winning 2.26 fouls per game in the Premier League, and 100 per cent of tackles in both competitions [FotMob].
Having also proven to be rock-solid defensively with a further 2.25 blocks and 6.75 recoveries – both per 90 – Richarlison firing for the Lilywhites on Thursday could reaffirm why he’s their leading man when fit.
In other Tottenham news, a Premier League rival are “desperate” to stop Spurs from signing a highly-rated young attacker.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.