Richarlison cleared to feature for Tottenham against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup despite his Premier League omission.
Tottenham Hotspur have received a significant structural boost ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash against Liverpool, with news that Brazilian forward Richarlison is fully eligible to play in the Carabao Cup fixture. According to reliable reportage from journalist Alasdair Gold, shared by Hotspur Lane on X, the 29-year-old striker is cleared to feature at Anfield despite his current omission from Spurs’ registered 25-man Premier League squad list.
The development provides head coach Roberto De Zerbi with a timely attacking option as Tottenham look to navigate a hectic fixture schedule and resolve an alarming domestic goal drought.
Timely Lifeline for Roberto De Zerbi Amid Historical Offensive Drought
The availability of Richarlison arrives at a critical juncture for the North London club. Tottenham have endured an unprecedented start to their 2026/27 campaign, failing to score a single goal across their opening four Premier League matches. Following back-to-back 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton, Spurs have now gone over 360 consecutive minutes without finding the net in league play.
De Zerbi has openly spoken about the need for his side to unblock themselves in front of goal. With summer signing Dominic Solanke working his way back from pre-season injury disruptions sustained during the Australia tour, and Omar Marmoush still adjusting to new tactical demands, Richarlison’s presence offers a proven central focal point capable of leading the line against top-tier opposition.
Richarlison’s domestic status has been a subject of intense speculation since the closing days of the summer transfer window. A proposed return to Brazil with Vasco da Gama collapsed in the final hours of the deadline, leaving the forward at Hotspur Way without a spot in Tottenham’s official Premier League squad declaration.
However, English Football League regulations governing the Carabao Cup permit clubs to field professional players under contract who are otherwise unregistered for Premier League action. This technicality grants De Zerbi full authorization to select the Brazilian for Tuesday’s trip to Merseyside.
🚨 Richarlison is ABLE TO PLAY for #THFC against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. 😳✅
– Alasdair Gold
Would you play him? 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/rsDZe1ZReZ
— Hotspur Lane (@HotspurLane) September 13, 2026
The timing of Richarlison’s availability aligns precisely with De Zerbi’s post-Everton admission that squad rotation will be vital for the midweek cup clash. With players like Rodrigo Bentancur experiencing fatigue and several first-team regulars recovering from delayed pre-season programs, the Italian manager indicated he intends to rely heavily on alternate options against Liverpool.
Starting or featuring Richarlison at Anfield would allow De Zerbi to manage Solanke’s physical workload while testing a physical focal point against Liverpool’s backline. For Richarlison, Tuesday night represents a clear platform to demonstrate his value, rebuild match sharpness, and press his case for potential inclusion in future squad revisions later in the season.