Tottenham have confirmed forward Richarlison has undergone surgery on his groin.
The Brazilian international confirmed he was set to go under the knife following Monday night’s chaotic defeat to Chelsea in a dramatic London derby.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, the 26-year-old said: “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.”
That defeat came only hours after Brazil coach Fernando Deniz left the 25-year-old out of the Selecao squad for their upcoming games against Colombia and Argentina.
Richarlison added: “I was sad when I was not called up but I understand Deniz.
“In his place, I wouldn’t call me up either — I haven’t been playing good football, I’ve been below my best.
“I’ve improved in the last few games. But I need to improve a lot to wear the national team shirt.
“I have to be playing. I have to be feeling well, I have to be 100 per cent and I haven’t been, I think the manager made the right choice.”
On Thursday, Tottenham released a statement reading: "We can confirm that Richarlison has undergone groin surgery today.
"The Brazil international will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately, before returning to training in the coming weeks."
Spurs are already without Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou light in attacking areas.
There is, however, hope defender Micky van de Ven will avoid surgery after appearing to pop his hamstring against Chelsea but it remains unclear as to how long the Dutchman will be missing.
