‘Almost there’: ‘Unbelievable’ Tottenham star suggests he’s on the verge of returning from his injury

Tottenham Hotspur has faced persistent injury challenges this season, which have significantly impacted their performances. When fully fit, Spurs are a formidable side, but player unavailability over the last two months has hindered Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

The absences of key players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been particularly damaging, but they are not the only ones who have spent extended time on the sidelines. Among those missing in action is Richarlison, whose limited availability has left a gap in Tottenham’s attacking options.

Richarlison, a marquee signing from Everton in the summer of 2022, has endured a difficult spell since his arrival. While the Brazilian forward struggled during his debut campaign, often facing criticism for underwhelming performances, he showed considerable improvement under Postecoglou in the 2023/24 season.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued him this term, limiting him to just 173 minutes of action across all competitions. This situation has added to Tottenham’s woes, as Postecoglou aims to navigate a challenging season with a depleted squad.

Despite his setbacks, Richarlison has offered some hope to fans with a recent injury update. On social media, he shared a picture of himself back on the training ground, accompanied by the message, “Almost there!” This post indicates that he is nearing a return to full fitness, providing a much-needed boost for the team.

While the Brazilian has not featured since early November, his progress signals that he could soon be available to contribute once again.

Tottenham faces Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter-final, a crucial match for a team hungry for silverware. Postecoglou has heightened expectations by stating that he often wins trophies in his second season at clubs, adding to the pressure to deliver results.

However, Richarlison will not be fit in time to feature against the Red Devils. When questioned about the forward’s return timeline, Postecoglou suggested that Richarlison might be ready to play in the first week of the new year. This timeline is promising, as it would allow the Brazilian to reintegrate into the squad during a critical phase of the season.

Richarlison’s return could bring much-needed versatility and depth to Tottenham’s attack. Known for his physicality, work rate, and ability to play across the front line, he provides options that have been sorely missed during his absence.

With Postecoglou relying heavily on the likes of Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson, having Richarlison back in contention would alleviate the burden on the current starters and offer a different dimension to Spurs’ offensive play.

The forward’s injury struggles have been frustrating for both the player and the club, especially given his potential to be a game-changer. Richarlison’s ability to link up play, create chances, and finish clinically in the box makes him a valuable asset. While his performances last season hinted at his quality, the current campaign presents an opportunity for him to make a more consistent impact once he regains full fitness.

For Tottenham, navigating the congested fixture schedule without key players has been a significant challenge. The team’s ability to compete on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and domestic cup competitions, depends on the squad’s depth and the availability of its stars.

As they aim to maintain their momentum and push for success, having players like Richarlison back in action will be vital. His return could coincide with a crucial period for Spurs, offering Postecoglou additional tactical flexibility and strengthening the team’s prospects in the second half of the season.