Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager Cristian Stellini has confirmed that Richarlison will be available to face Manchester City on Sunday - a game that could see Pedro Porro make his debut for the London side.
City are preparing to face Spurs for the second time in just over two weeks, looking to keep pace with title rivals Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side could be eight points clear at the top of the table come kick-off, should they beat Everton on Saturday, emphasising the need for Pep Guardiola's side to return to the Etihad with three points.
But the home side could be boosted by the availability of Richarlison, who was not involved in last weekend's FA Cup win against Preston North End due to what was described as a 'small problem in his adductor'. Speaking ahead of welcoming City, Stellini confirmed the forward will be fit and ready for Sunday.
ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola explains City thinking behind Joao Cancelo exit
"Like I said after the last game, Richarlison had a small problem and now he is available," he told reporters. "He has been training this week and he is available. No [new] injuries. We recover also Lucas [Moura] and we are happy to say that because Lucas has been training this week. He played 45 minutes with the young team and is back."
As well as Richarlison and Lucas, January signing and former City player Porro could be included in the Spurs line-up come Sunday. The right-back joined from Sporting Lisbon on deadline day, signing a half-season loan with an obligation to buy in the summer, and the departures of both Matt Doherty and Djed Spence have opened up space on the right as the Spaniard competes with Emerson Royal.
Porro spent three years as a City player between 2019 and 2022 but failed to make a competitive appearance, joining Real Valladolid and Sporting on loan before moving to the Portuguese side permanently last summer.
Asked whether the defender will start, Stellini said: "Could be. He is young but he has great experience. He plays in a similar system we play and he is available. We can use him in two days. We have another training session, he can improve but he is a great player, he's good technically and we were impressed by his performance against us."
Spurs boss Antonio Conte was absent from the press conference after undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder. The Italian confirmed on Wednesday that the procedure went as planned and he is feeling better, but the short turnaround made his presence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a doubt.
"We don't know yet when he is coming back," Stellini added. "The surgery was good. He's recovering well at home [in Italy]. We have two days before the game and anything can happen. We don't know yet. The decision will be made tomorrow. We are ready to do everything and Antonio probably the doctor who did the surgery they have to decide for him. We have 48 hours, two days to decide."
READ NEXT
- Pep Guardiola confirmed major John Stones injury blow
City have a problem they thought was solved following Joao Cancelo exit
Phil Foden has shown he is ready for City battle that lies ahead
Pep Guardiola hints at double standards after Chelsea's £300m window
Bayern duo share first impressions of City loanee Joao Cancelo
