Tottenham suffer blow to Champions League hopes as Fabrizio Romano shares Richarlison update
Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou may insist that Champions League qualification isn’t important this season, but they can take a huge step towards the top four with a win over Newcastle.
Spurs make the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday (13 April) knowing that a win over Eddie Howe’s side would extend their lead over fifth-placed Aston Villa to three points and put them firmly in the driving seat.
However, Postecoglou will have to continue to make do without Richarlison in his starting XI after the Australian confirmed that the Brazilian would not be fit to return to the fold for the clash against the Magpies.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X (12 April) he said: “Richarlison will miss the game this week due to knee injury. He is close but with next weekend off, the last two rounds are stacked with games and having him ready for that is more important.”
Will Richarlison start for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou against Newcastle United?
Richarlison’s last full 90 minutes for Spurs came in their 2-1 win over Brighton back in February and despite not getting on the scoresheet, the Brazilian demonstrated his importance to Postecoglou’s system.
In his 90 minutes of action, the 26-year-old only completed 62 per cent of his 24 attempted passes, but on the 15 occasions he did find a teammate with managed to create two goalscoring chances, according to Fotmob.
No player on either side managed to complete more than the forward’s three dribbles in the contest as he managed to avoid being dispossessed with a mix of tricky dribbling ability and strength on the ball.
Out of possession was where Richarlison really impressed against the Seagulls however, as he won 62 per cent of his eight ground duels and all bar one of his three aerial duels, winning two free kicks in the process.
Similar was true in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Everton earlier this season. While Richarlison’s two goals stole the show at Goodison Park, the Brazil international also managed to win 100 per cent of his attempted tackles as a key part of Postecoglou’s press.
When compared to other strikers in the Premier League, the 26-year-old places in the 82nd percentile for tackles won per 90 minutes and the 99th for blocks made, according to Fbref.
Partner that with the fact he places in the top seven per cent of his peers for non-penalty goals scored per game, with an average of 0.66 every 90 minutes and it is clear to see why he is so important to Postecoglou’s side.
Can Spurs qualify for the Champions League if they finish fifth in the Premier League?
While it is a blow to Spurs’ top-four hopes that Richarlison won’t be fit to feature against Newcastle on Saturday, Postecoglou has more than enough attacking talent in his squad to fill the void left by the Brazilian.
Son Heung-min has thrived out of position as a number nine this term, while Timo Werner has managed to hit the ground running following his January loan switch, scoring twice and laying on three assists in 11 matches.
Hopefully, Spurs will find a way to pick up all three points at St James’ Park and Richarlison will be able to return to the fold fully fit to face Arsenal in the North London derby.
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has been urged to address James Maddison after his “aggressive” behaviour against Nottingham Forest
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