Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison is set to miss out the Copa America due to injury.
That was officially confirmed by Brazil manager Dorival Junior, who today confirmes his call-ups for the international tournament.
Quoted by Globo Esporte, the coach was asked about why he called up Porto’s Evanilson, and said the Dragons’ player took the spot which belonged to the Tottenham centre-forward.
“He’s a player who has been attracting attention. He has a clear understanding of his role.
“He comes out to be a man who complements the front of the area and also infiltrates when we attack from the sides. He’s a very interesting player. If he does as he did at the club, he’ll be a pleasant surprise.
“He surprised us in our evaluations. He was already a rumoured name in the first squad and now, due to an injury to Richarlison this morning, he’s a player we can count on.”
Richarlison last played on Sunday, when he was brought on in the second half of the clash against Liverpool, and even managed to bag a goal and an assist in Spurs’ late reaction in the 4-2 loss.
It now becomes clear that the centre-forward should not take part in any of Tottenham’s remaining games until the end of the season, and Ange Postecoglou should soon come up with some news on his situation.
Richarlison had been in Brazil’s squad in the friendlies against England and Spain, which were the first games Dorival Junior had in charge, and didn’t leave the bench in any of those matches.
He wasn’t expected to be a starter in Copa America, but this injury is surely a big blow for him, who loves playing for the national team.
