Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 26 April 2026 17:10, UK

Dominic Solanke was taken off for Tottenham Hotspur against Wolves with fears over a muscle injury.

The Lilywhites’ injury issues have continued to pile up, with Xavi Simons also forced off with what looked to be a serious knee issue.

The two stars join the long list of absentees at Hotspur Way, with Roberto De Zerbi’s options becoming slimmer.

However, that may not be a bad thing overall, given Richarlison’s recent snubs within the Italian’s starting line-up.

Ahead of Tottenham’s relegation run-in, the Brazilian has only been trusted to start in 33 per cent of De Zerbi’s matches so far, but that looks to be changing now.

Why Richarlison is ready to step up in Tottenham’s relegation battle

Unlike many in the Tottenham squad, Richarlison is well familiar with avoiding relegation, with his goals and assists keeping Everton up in the 2021-2022 season.

With the Toffees staring down the barrell of Championship football, the Brazilian took it upon himself to steer them to safety.

In his final five appearances of that season, the forward provided four goal contributions, including an equalising goal against Crystal Palace – a game Everton later went on to win – and a winning strike versus Chelsea.

Overall, Richarlison is a player with a history of stepping up in the dark moments, and now he could be in line to do the same.

In Tottenham’s game against Wolves, Richarlison has already begun doing so, with his shot resulting in an unintentional assist for Joao Palhinha.

If Solanke’s injury is indeed keeping him out for the remainder of the season or most of the final games, De Zerbi has a clear candidate to lead the line and potentially keep Tottenham in the Premier League.

Richarlison’s snub under De Zerbi so far makes little sense

When it comes to forward options this season, Richarlison has been one of the better Spurs players, which makes it strange that in three games, he has only started once.

This campaign, the 28-year-old has far more contributions than anyone else with his 13 goals and assists. Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus are joint-second with seven.

Additionally, Richarlison’s scoring frequency of 179 minutes per goal is far lower than anyone else at the club.

Even if Richarlison is not liked by De Zerbi, the Italian potentially being forced to utilise him may end up being a blessing in disguise.

The Solanke injury is a blow, but light could yet arrive from this dark situation.