Cristian Stellini gives injury update and names the game Richarlison could make Tottenham return

Cristian Stellini has admitted that Richarlison is inching closer to a return to action but he will not be available for Saturday's Premier League home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Brazilian, who has not featured since coming off in the opening minutes of the 3-3 draw vs Southampton, is not the only player in the treatment room at present as Yves Bissouma, Emerson Royal, Ben Davies, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Bentancur are all nursing injuries.

The amount of unavailable players has impacted the acting head coach's matchday squad in the process, with goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin named on the bench against Everton on Monday as well as academy duo Alfie Devine and Romaine Mundle. Desperately needing to get players back to full fitness as soon as possible with Champions League football still to fight for, Stellini has admitted that Richarlison could return next Saturday when Bournemouth travel to north London.

"No good news about players that come back for the next game," explained Stellini in his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way. "We are getting closer with Richarlison. He trained on the pitch but he trained alone. We are going well with Ben Davies with the plan but we have to wait a bit for him. "

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Asked if Richarlison will be ready to return to the field before Davies, Stellini said: "Yes. He trained on the pitch. He is going well and for the next game he could be available."

Richarlison's absence against Brighton & Hove Albion means Stellini will have Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Arnaut Danjuma to choose from in terms of his front three. Lucas Moura is not available for selection following his dismissal in Monday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

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