Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison was not included in the matchday squad that faced Chelsea in their 4-1 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last night.
The Brazilian had featured in all ten Premier League games heading into the London derby but was missing from the bench and has revealed what he was told on Sunday before the Monday night game.
“I was hoping to play here in an important game, a derby,” Richarlison told ESPN after the game.
“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.
“The last few months haven’t been easy for me. 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.”
The Spurs star was not included in the Brazil squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia later this month, and he is expected to undergo surgery during the international break.
Richarlison has weighed in with two goals and three assists in 11 games across the Premier League and Carabao Cup this term, but that return was not enough to earn him an international call-up for this month.
He would have been very eager to play last night but manager Ange Postecoglou decided not to risk him even though the 26-year-old would have been willing to put his body on the line.
Brennan Johnson played in place of the former Everton star on Monday night and is expected to retain his place in the Tottenham starting XI when they return to action on Saturday with a trip to Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last game before the international break.
Spurs resume action after the break on November 26 against Aston Villa at home and Postecoglou will hope to have a fully-fit Richarlison back and available to hit the ground running.
He scored just thrice in 35 games in his first season at the North London club last term, with just one of them coming in 27 league appearances, and more is expected from him this season.
