INJURY-HIT Tottenham have been dealt another major blow with Richarlison confirming he is set for pelvic surgery.
The Brazillian forward admitted he has been “suffering” after a “difficult few months”.
Spurs were already reeling after Micky van de Ven came off with a serious-looking hamstring injury in Monday’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
James Maddison also came off with an ankle knock in the game, while Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon are long-term absentees.
Now Richarlison has revealed he will go under the knife soon as he gave a tearful interview to ESPN Brasil after the Blues loss.
The £60million striker, 26, said: “The last few months haven’t been easy for me.
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“I’ve had health problems. I’ve already spoken to the doctors and soon I would do surgery on my pubis.
“I’ve been suffering, fighting for my national team and my club for eight months and haven’t been taking care of myself.
“I think it’s time to rest, to stop for a second. I’ll think about it in the next few days and soon I will do what is best for me.”
Hours before the Chelsea game, Richarlison discovered he had been left out of the Brazil national squad for this month’s internationals by Selecao coach Fernando Deniz.
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The Samba star added: “I was sad when I was not called up but I understand Deniz.
“In his place, I wouldn’t call me up either — I haven’t been playing good football, I’ve been below my best.
“I’ve improved in the last few games. But I need to improve a lot to wear the national team shirt.
“I have to be playing. I have to be feeling well, I have to be 100 per cent and I haven’t been, I think the manager made the right choice.
“The guys are flying. So it’s up to me to keep working. I’ll definitely be back. I didn’t get here by chance. It’s up to me to work hard every day and get into a rhythm here at Tottenham.
“I was hoping to play here (vs Chelsea) in an important game, a derby. Yesterday, I was told that I wouldn’t be playing, but that’s part of football.
“Every player wants to be called up for the national team. Of course, I was hoping for it but already felt that it was time for a rest.”
Van de Ven and Maddison on Tuesday were set for scans as Spurs’ medical staff assessed the damage.
Tottenham will also be without Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero for Saturday’s trip to Wolves after the defenders were sent off against Chelsea.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
