Ange Postecoglou has provided an update on his team’s situation and player availability as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face Brentford in the upcoming Premier League fixture.
The Spurs boss addressed the persistent questions surrounding Richarlison’s recovery, making it clear that the Brazilian forward remains some distance away from returning to action. Postecoglou hinted that reporters should stop asking about the player for the time being, as there hasn’t been any significant progress in his rehabilitation. Richarlison, who has faced a series of injury setbacks, has been enduring a tough time in North London, with injuries threatening to derail his impact at the club.
Since joining Tottenham from Everton in 2022 for a staggering £60 million, a club-record fee, Richarlison has struggled to consistently find his best form due to injuries. His standout season saw him net 11 league goals, a respectable return for the 27-year-old striker. Despite being linked with lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window, Richarlison opted to remain at Spurs, showing his commitment to the club. Unfortunately, the current season has not started as he would have hoped, with fitness issues keeping him on the sidelines.
Ahead of Tottenham’s clash with Brentford, Postecoglou revealed that Richarlison’s return may take longer than initially expected, and his absence continues to be a problem for the team. Speaking about the Brazilian, Postecoglou said, “He is still a fair way off. I think you should stop asking me about him until I give you a proper update. He hasn’t yet trained with the first team, so he’s still a bit off.”
Tottenham has had a mixed start to the season, securing only one win in their first four matches, which has raised concerns about the squad’s depth and sharpness, particularly after their defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby. The lack of a consistent attacking threat has been evident, and the team has struggled to find the cutting edge needed to compete at the highest level.
Postecoglou now turns his attention to a tricky fixture against Brentford, a side known for their resilience and ability to challenge the league’s top teams. The Bees recently gave Manchester City a tough contest, nearly pulling off a shock result against the defending champions. Aware of the threat posed by Thomas Frank’s well-drilled side, Postecoglou spoke highly of Brentford’s approach. “They’re a great challenge. Thomas has turned them into a really difficult and challenging team for everyone in the league. I saw them last week against City, and I thought they played really well, took the game to them. It’s always a challenge, but that’s what makes the Premier League so tough.”
Both Tottenham and Brentford head into this weekend’s match after coming from behind to defeat lower-league opposition in recent cup fixtures. Despite those wins, Postecoglou is aware that his team will need to improve significantly if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title. As the pressure mounts, especially with Richarlison sidelined, Tottenham’s ability to adapt and find alternative solutions in attack will be critical.
The match against Brentford will be a key test of Tottenham’s resolve, as they seek to build momentum and climb the league table. Postecoglou’s side will be eager to show improvement, but with one of their key forwards out for the foreseeable future, they must find other ways to step up and deliver if they are to compete at the highest level this season.