“No way”- Ange Postecoglou confirms £175,000-a-week Tottenham star will not to play game vs Everton today despite being fully fit
Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Everton in their first home match of the 2024/25 Premier League season, a fixture that holds extra significance as the team looks to bounce back from a frustrating draw in their season opener. Under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Leicester City, a match in which they dominated the first half but failed to capitalize on their chances. The result left many feeling that Tottenham should have secured all three points, and the pressure is now on to make amends in front of their home fans.
As Everton visit on Saturday afternoon, Tottenham will be keen to secure their first victory of the campaign. However, their preparations have been disrupted by a significant setback—Dominic Solanke, the new signing expected to make a big impact, has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. This development is undoubtedly a blow for Postecoglou, who had high hopes for Solanke’s debut in front of the home crowd.
With Solanke sidelined, Postecoglou faces a selection dilemma. He has several options to lead the attack, but each comes with its own set of considerations. Heung-min Son, who took on the striker role frequently during the 2023/24 season, is one candidate. Dejan Kulusevski, who has shown his versatility by playing as a striker during pre-season, is another. However, the most intriguing option is Richarlison, who has been training with the squad for two weeks and is deemed fit to start.
Despite Richarlison’s readiness to play, Postecoglou has cautioned that the Brazilian is not yet match-fit enough to complete a full 90 minutes. Speaking at a press conference, Postecoglou explained: “Richy has trained for two weeks. He’s ready to go. Obviously, he hasn’t played for quite a while, which you’ve got to take into account, but he’s available and ready to go.” In a later, embargoed portion of the press conference, Postecoglou added: “He’s fit to start the game because he’s been training, but can he play 90 minutes? No! That’s where the decision lies. He came on last week, but match fitness is different, and he hasn’t played a minute in pre-season. It’s about how we manage his minutes.”
The uncertainty surrounding Solanke’s availability and Richarlison’s fitness adds an element of unpredictability to Tottenham’s lineup against Everton. Fans are eager to see how the team will adapt, especially as the transfer window draws to a close.
As the summer transfer window enters its final week, speculation around player movements is at an all-time high. While Tottenham supporters are eagerly awaiting any last-minute signings, there is also the possibility of players leaving the club. However, one player who will not be departing is Richarlison, despite significant interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. Postecoglou firmly quashed any rumors of the Brazilian’s exit, stating, “Richy is not going anywhere,” during his press conference.
With Solanke’s injury and the transfer window about to slam shut, all eyes will be on how Tottenham lines up against Everton and how Richarlison, who earns a reported £175,000 per week, will perform as the season progresses. The arrival of Solanke had been expected to bolster the attack, but with his absence, the responsibility may fall on Richarlison to step up and prove his worth to the team. The match against Everton could be the first real test of Tottenham’s resilience and depth as they navigate the challenges of a long and demanding Premier League season.