Why exiled Richarlison WON'T play in Tottenham's Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool after move back to Brazil collapsed

Roberto De Zerbi has turned down the chance to include Richarlison in Tottenham’s squad for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool.

Richarlison was left out of Spurs’ 25-man Premier League player list submitted earlier this month after being informed he is not part of the club’s first-team plans, but failed to secure a departure and is eligible to play in this cup competition.

However, De Zerbi confirmed ex-Everton forward Richarlison, who turned down a move to Vasco da Gama on Friday, will not feature despite boasting a strong record of four goals in seven meetings with Liverpool for Tottenham, who have yet to score in the league during the 2026-27 campaign.

'Richarlison, you already know everything and nothing change for Carabao Cup or Premier League. The situation is the same,' De Zerbi said.

'I stay in the middle and I can’t say nothing more because it is not my job. I can answer about the result and the players in the squad, the offensive phase, the defensive phase, but not for other things.

'What I have done at the beginning of this season has been to speak with him and to propose an extension of the contract. If he said, ‘"thank you," I finished my job.

'I said last press conference. I know what happened in the last 45 days. It’s not right if I explained. It’s not my behaviour. The relationship, the problem is between the player and the club.

'I stay within the club. It’s coach and club together. At the start of this season I spoke to him many times to convince him to stay and he didn’t want to. I can’t go every day to pray for him to stay.'

This is the latest chapter in an unwanted saga for Tottenham, De Zerbi and Richarlison.

Richarlison started the league opener at Brentford, but was told he can leave before a move to Everton collapsed and links to Trabzonspor failed to turn into a move.

After Richarlison did not agree personal terms with boyhood club Vasco on Friday, he was in attendance for Spurs’ goalless draw with Everton, but will remain on the sidelines.

De Zerbi will also be without Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali for the midweek trip to Anfield.

Richarlison, top scorer for Spurs with 11 Premier League goals last season, remains in North London and training with De Zerbi's squad unless they are engaged in any tactical work.

The 29-year-old, signed for £60m from Everton in 2022, attended Saturday's goalless draw against his former club.

Spurs have yet to score in four Premier League games this season.