Richarlison injury latest: Three Tottenham stars who Roberto De Zerbi could turn to vs Leeds United
Richarlison could miss out on Tottenham Hotspur‘s crucial clash with Leeds United on Monday.
Spurs host the Whites at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 May, needing all three points to help their survival push.
The Brazilian scored the all-important winning goal against Aston Villa last time out, but he may join Dominic Solanke on the sidelines after a new injury update.
Sky Sports presenter Mike Wedderburn shared the news on 6 May (19:49 pm), saying: “There are concerns over Richarlison’s fitness, he didn’t train today after he came off injured in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
“He limped off after scoring the winner to help Spurs climb out of the relegation zone, Spurs are yet to comment on whether he will be available to face Leeds on Monday night.”
Tottenham would love to have Richarlison among their options, but if he is not fit, then Roberto De Zerbi may have to go with an unorthodox call.
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Randal Kolo Muani could lead Tottenham’s line
The most obvious solution for De Zerbi would be for Randal Kolo Muani to lead Tottenham’s line in the contest.
The Frenchman has had a miserable campaign so far, but he showed positive signs against the Villans and was applauded off the pitch by the travelling supporters.
He was a constant problem for Unai Emery’s side, with five touches in the opposition box in a lively showing at Villa Park, per Fotmob.
| Kolo Muani stats vs Villa | |
| Touches in opposition box | 5 |
| Shots(on target) | 2(1) |
| Cross attempts | 2/2(100%) |
| Dribble success | 4/6(67%) |
| Tackles/Recoveries | 2/4 |
| Ground duels won | 9/12(75%) |
He attempted two shots, with one on target and completed both of his crossing attempts, in a very encouraging display.
He also completed 67 per cent of his six dribbles, and was not afraid to get stuck in defensively, winning nine of 12 ground duels.
Mathys Tel could play in a more advanced position
Mathys Tel has typically been used on his flanks in his time at Spurs, but he does have a history of playing in the number nine role.
He was effective from the flank against Villa, creating two chances, taking four touches in the opposition box and completing 57 per cent of his seven cross attempts.
He only made 17 per cent of his dribbles attempted, and one pass into the final third, though, which could convince De Zerbi to switch his position, if his primary option is out.
Defensively, he made one clearance, one interception and six recoveries, but won just one of 10 ground duels for a 10 per cent success rate.
Therefore, he may not be the best option to defend from the front.
Could De Zerbi turn to youth?
Mason Melia could be in line to make his Spurs debut in the contest against Daniel Farke’s side.
The Irish youngster has played five times in the Premier League 2 for the youth team, and he has notched two goals in that time.
He averages 2.92 shots, with a rate of 1.86 on target and 0.80 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in that division.
| Mason Melia’s stats | Premier League 2 |
| Matches | 5 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots per 90 (on target) | 2.92(1.86) |
| Dribble success per 90 | 0.80 |
| Touches in opp box per 90 | 5.04 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.06 |
| Recoveries per 90 | 2.92 |
Melia also takes 5.04 touches in the opposition box and wins 3.45 fouls, and he is also willing to help out defensively, with 1.06 tackles and 2.92 recoveries per 90 minutes so far.
That could prompt the manager to hand him an opportunity and keep the other two options on the wings.
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