GIVEMESPORT

Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison is on track to be handed an opportunity to kickstart his season when AZ Alkmaar head to north London for a Europa League clash on Thursday as boss Ange Postecoglou is poised to include the Hotspur Way favourite in the starting line-up, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The striker came off the bench as Spurs returned to winning ways when they sealed a 4-1 victory over capital rivals West Ham United last weekend, but he has been limited to just 34 minutes of action in all competitions this term due to being forced onto the sidelines for a sustained period through injury.

Although Dominic Solanke's £65million arrival from Premier League rivals Bournemouth during the summer transfer window has also resulted in Richarlison having fresh competition in the attacking third of the pitch, he is on course to be involved from the start against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar.

Richarlison Preparing to Start European Clash

Brazil international tasked with maintaining fitness after injury

Richarlison is set to be handed a starting berth in Tottenham's continental encounter with AZ Alkmaar after Postecoglou has been toying with the idea of giving him more minutes on the pitch following his recovery from injury, according to GMS sources, and it could prove to be a significant opportunity to kickstart his season.

There was plenty of speculation over the Brazil international's future during the summer transfer window, with Saudi Pro League big-spenders Al-Hilal among the sides understood to be interested in luring him away from north London, but he is eager to make an impact in his current surroundings after remaining on board.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are keen for Richarlison to maintain his fitness and improve his form to make Postecoglou's side even more potent and put Solanke under additional pressure as he bids to remain one of the first names on the team sheet following his switch from Bournemouth in August.

The 27-year-old, who is on a contract worth £130,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, is preparing to have the chance to put AZ Alkmaar to the sword as Spurs look to build on triumphs over Qarabag and Ferencvaros during the early stages of their Europa League campaign.

There is ongoing uncertainty over how Richarlison will fit into Postecoglou's current tactical system if he is given the nod to start the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, GMS sources have learned, but there is an awareness that he needs to be handed game time in order to improve his match sharpness.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Richarlison has found the back of the net 60 times over the course of 231 Premier League appearances, while he has registered a further 24 assists along the way

Spurs Eager for Richarlison to Improve Value

North Londoners could consider selling striker next year

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are desperate for Richarlison to become more potent in front of goal in a bid to restore his market value as he has been pinpointed as an asset who could be offloaded for a considerable fee if it is decided that it is the right time to cash in at the end of the season.

Spurs forked out £60million when they tempted Everton into selling the former Fluminense and Watford talisman in July 2022, but key decision-makers behind the scenes have come to terms with the fact that they will struggle to recoup the entirety of that fee if he does not find the back of the net regularly.

Tottenham are adamant that Richarlison will increase his value if he succeeds in maintaining his fitness and becomes more of a threat in the final third of the pitch, GMS sources understand, while he is still being viewed as a potentially key option as Postecoglou aims to end the capital club's lengthy wait for silverware.

GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs have been keen to carefully manage the Olympic gold medallist's reintegration into the squad following his injury due to being determined to protect his value ahead of potentially putting him on the market when the campaign reaches its climax in May.

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in the January transfer window and are among multiple Premier League clubs monitoring the 21-year-old, according to CaughtOffside.

Spurs are said to be leading the race for Delap at the moment, though the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and his former club Manchester City are also interested.

According to the report, Delap could have an asking price of around £33million. It remains to be seen if Spurs are willing to strike a deal in a similar region for the 21-year-old, having already splashed out heavily on Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in the summer transfer window.

Delap’s fine form has been a bright spark in Ipswich’s return to the Premier League, where he has scored four goals in eight games this season.

The England Under-21 international has hit the ground running following a £20million move in July from Manchester City and is proving to be a real handful for defenders in the division.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Delap has already scored half of his eight-goal haul from last season's Championship campaign with Hull City.

Delap spent five years at Man City after coming up through the youth ranks at Derby County, but had limited opportunities to impress Pep Guardiola, amassing a total of six appearances and scoring one goal for the Premier League champions.

The 'exceptional' 21-year-old’s vast improvement in 2023/24 has caught the eye of several clubs in England, and Ipswich are now understood to be prepared to evaluate offers for him this January.

Tottenham have been one of the most prolific sides in the Premier League this term, with only Man City scoring more goals (19) than Ange Postecoglou’s men so far (18).

A 4-1 win over West Ham at the weekend saw the Lilywhites climb up to seventh in the table, with Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, and Heung-min Son all on the scoresheet.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Heung-min Son was absent from training ahead of their Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

The South Korean international has been suffering from an injury problem recently, but he returned to action against West Ham United at the weekend.

Journalist Jay Harris has been at the Tottenham training ground as Ange Postecoglou's side train before their Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar, and he's confirmed that both Son, who has been described as 'world-class', and Djed Spence were not seen with the group. In more positive news, Wilson Odobert was spotted as he continues his recovery from injury.

After featuring for the north London outfit against West Ham, an issue may have arisen with Son. Two games within a week might be too much for the experienced attacker, so Postecoglou could be taking no risks with Son at the moment, especially with a trip to Crystal Palace coming on Sunday.

It's a major blow for Tottenham if Son has suffered another injury, but hopefully, Postecoglou will provide a calming update. The north London club might be taking extra caution after a spell on the treatment table, but there's no doubt Postecoglou would have been desperate for Son to have been available to face Alkmaar.

The Australian manager will likely be speaking to the media ahead of their Europa League clash, so we should find out more details about Son's injury then. The positive news is that Odobert was involved in training. The 19-year-old, who moved to Tottenham from Burnley in the summer transfer window, hasn't featured for Spurs since September after coming off injured against Coventry City in the EFL Cup.

With Son potentially on the treatment table, this could be the time for Odobert to step up and stake his claim in the side. Unfortunately for him, he's spent a significant period on the sidelines and the medical team won't want to rush him back. Other than Spence and Son, Postecoglou could have an almost fully fit team to choose from as he prepares to host AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night in the Europa League.

Tottenham Hotspur's emphatic 4-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday afternoon brought about praise for the majority of the team in what was the club's third win in four Premier League games over the past month. And one star who has received acclaim is Dominic Solanke, with the club's new record transfer signing being praised by legend Glenn Hoddle - though the former England boss claims his best is still yet to come.

Solanke joined from Bournemouth after a 19-goal haul in the top-flight last season, moving to north London for a £55million fee which could rise to £65million. Just two goals in six Premier League games have seen Solanke endure an average start to life in the capital, but his work off the ball and his attitude have vastly impressed - and that has seen Hoddle tout him to great effect.

Hoddle: Solanke Will 'Get to His Best' at Tottenham

The striker merely needs time to bed into life in north London

Speaking on TNT Sports' coverage of the game, Hoddle praised Solanke for his performance against Julen Lopetegui's side despite not scoring - and the Tottenham legend claimed that it would only be a matter of time until he got up to his 'very best' in a Spurs kit. Hoddle said, via TBR Football:

“If he keeps persisting, he will pick up his six-yard box goals as well, and that’s what Spurs need.

“They need someone that can score their type of goals in those six-yard box, the gimmes if you like. And he has just got to believe that it will happen.

“And there is a goal in him as well. He can manufacture a goal himself, drop his shoulder.

“We will see them as well. I just think it is going to take a bit of time to see him at his very best in a Tottenham shirt.”

Solanke Could Click Brilliantly With Spurs' Exciting Attack

There are a multitude of stars who are constantly improving under Postecoglou

Whilst Tottenham did extremely well under Ange Postecoglou last year without a recognised striker as such, there was certainly a need to bring one in - and Solanke was one of the best available on the market for the club.

Harry Kane was immense for Tottenham, becoming their top goalscorer of all-time and the only slight blemish to his time in north London was the lack of a major trophy. That being said, Tottenham were always going to struggle to replace him after his move to Bayern Munich last summer - but Solanke is tipped to do a stellar job.

Not only does he bring a similar style of play to Kane, but his move also pushes Son Heung-min out to his favoured left-hand side, which strengthens Tottenham in two ways - and with Brennan Johnson on fire on the right-hand side with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison producing the goods in midfield, Tottenham are one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the top-flight.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Dominic Solanke has scored 31 Premier League goals in 140 games.

A slow start to life at Tottenham should not have been anything to worry about, with the Englishman now having registered five goal involvements in just 685 minutes of football - and once he gets firing in N17, the strikes will surely keep on coming for the England international, picking up his second cap for the Three Lions after a seven-year hiatus from national team duties after he received his debut in 2017 whilst playing for Liverpool.

Former England international, Tim Sherwood has waxed lyrical about Tottenham star, Dejan Kulusevski, going as far as to label him "one of the very few top signings" made by Spurs.

The Swede has excelled under Ange Postecoglou, recently taking his game to a new level while playing as more of a central midfielder. He netted the first for his side in their 4-1 obliteration of West Ham, with a cleanly-taken strike which ricocheted off both posts and into the goal, but his all-round performance beyond the finish was equally impressive.

Currently regarded as among the most on-form players in the Premier League, it seems Spurs are seeing their money's worth, and plenty more, having paid a fee of just £26 million back in 2023 to make his initial loan permanent.

Sherwood Praises On-Form Kulusevski Following Dominating Performance

The 24-year-old has settled into his new position well

Via Premier League Productions, Sherwood was not short of praise for Kulusevski, after his strong display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend. He said:

“He [Postecoglou] has transformed him into a central midfield player,”

“I always look at midfield players as if I would go up against them. I wouldn’t want to go up against this guy. He is 6ft 2in, he is quick, he is strong, he travels with the ball, he has got an eye for a pass, and obviously he has got an eye for a goal. He scored eight goals in the Premier League last year, that’s his second goal. He scores big goals. He scored in the derby today. He scored at Old Trafford.

“If he can continue with that ratio, he is a player. He is one of the very few top signings they have made.”

Indeed, Kulusevski's transition into midfield has yielded outstanding results in Postecoglou's system, and the 24-year-old has emerged as one of his team's most useful creative players. Equally, this particular positional shift has opened up the right-wing space for Welsh star, Brennan Johnson who has also been on impressive form this term, with six goals in 11 outings across all competitions.

With the likes of Heung-min Son and James Maddison also contributing effectively, there is an air of optimism around N17 at the moment, and supporters will be hoping to see their side maintain their positive form in the hopes of a strong league finish by the end of the season.

Key Takeaways

Tottenham responded strongly after a dismal defeat to Brighton last time out, with goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-Min, and an own goal seeing off West Ham.

Tottenham dominated the large majority of the game, although the Hammer started well, taking the lead through Mohammed Kudus.

Son had a slow start but made a strong impact eventually, scoring and assisting in a man of the match display.

Tottenham strolled to victory over an out-of-sorts West Ham side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to respond to their dismal defeat to Brighton prior to the international break, courtesy of goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-Min and an own goal from Alphonse Areola.

Spurs came out the blocks quickly, almost opening the scoring minutes in, as Brennan Johnson flashed a ferocious volley across Areola's goal, an effort inches from creeping into the top corner. However, West Ham slowly grew into the game, and almost took the lead when Jarrod Bowen's cut-back found Mohammed Kudus, whose shot from inside the box was expertly kept out by Vicario.

Despite the home side dominating possession in the early stages, the Hammers recreated this move and did take the lead inside the opening 20 minutes, with Bowen again cutting back to Kudus, who this time made no mistake, slotting past the Italian shot-stopper in a crowded box. Postecoglou's men should've had a quick fire equaliser, as Johnson headed wide from close range after an excellent Destiny Udogie cross. The Lillywhites did eventually level the game, with Kulusevski deceiving Areola by firing a shot towards his near post when shaping for the far, with the ball trickling over the line after crashing against the woodwork.

Making a tactical change at the interval by replacing James Maddison with Pape Sarr, Spurs came out in rampant fashion at the start of the second half. Bissouma gave Tottenham the lead, as Son's defence-splitting pass found Udogie, who cut back to the Malian, who slid the ball past a helpless Areola. Minutes later, Spurs extended their lead after Son's shot ricocheted off Todibo and into the net, following an exceptional reverse ball from Kulusevski into the South Korean's path.

It got worse for the Irons, as Son's near post finish put the game to bed after the Spurs skipper was set free from an inch-perfect pass from Sarr. Spurs had a flurry of late chances but were unable to add to their tally before Kudus was given his marching orders for hitting out on a number of Tottenham players after his frustrations boiled over. Spurs move into the top six, while West Ham sink to 14th after the resounding defeat.

Match Highlights

Tottenham Player Ratings

GK - Vicario - 6/10

Steady early save from Kudus, but looked vulnerable from set-pieces and crosses again, a theme in his game.

RB - Pedro Porro - 6/10

Struggled to impact the game in the final third, but wasn't overly tested by Kudus. Unlucky not to score a sensational goal in the first half with a scissor-kick effort.

CB - Cristian Romero - 5/10

All at sea for some of West Ham's dangerous attacks in transition.

CB - Micky Van de Ven - 7/10

Didn't have to use his explosive pace to recover the ball on many occasions. Dependable on the ball.

LB - Destiny Udogie - 7/10

Couldn't deal with Bowen's aggressive dribbling on his outside, but was an offensive threat, with some smart underlapping runs to support Son leading to dangerous moves, and the home team's second goal.

CM - Yves Bissouma - 7/10

Kept it simple on the ball, but struggled at times without a deeper midfielder next to him, with Paqueta, Kudus and Bowen driving through the heart of Spurs' midfield multiple times. Much better in the second half with Sarr beside him and slotted home Spurs' second goal.

CM - James Maddison - 5/10

Mixed day for the playmaker. Some wasteful passes and poor set-piece deliveries, but made a telling contribution by exploiting the space West Ham left to find Kulusevski for the equaliser. Hooked at half-time.

CM - Dejan Kulusevski - 7/10

Took his goal excellently, and looked more influential in the second half as an out-and-out number ten.

RW - Brennan Johnson - 5/10

Missed a great chance in the first half when he headed wide from a matter of yards. Wasn't as involved as he'd have liked.

ST - Dominic Solanke - 6/10

Failed to provide the focal point that Spurs' attack needed in the first half. However, as the game opened up, he came into his own.

LW - Son Heung-Min - 8/10

Some good combinations with Udogie in the first half, but ultimately lacking sharpness inside the box in the first half, where he's usually so good. At the heart of Tottenham's second and third goals, however, looking more effective as the game opened up in the second period. Then scored his own, slamming past Areola at the Frenchman's near post.

Sub - Pape Sarr - 7/10

Brought on to support Bissouma and prevent West Ham's transitional threat, and did so effectively. Brilliant ball for Son's goal.

Sub - Timo Werner - N/A

Not on long enough to rate.

Sub - Richarlison - N/A

Not on long enough to rate.

Sub - Archie Gray- N/A

Not on long enough to rate.

West Ham Player Ratings

GK - Alphonse Areola - 6/10

Perhaps might've done better on the Kulusevski goal, but was deceived by the finish. Relatively assured in most of his actions, and made some smart stops in the second half onslaught.

RB - Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 8/10

Superb defensively, winning several tackles cleanly, and looked to support Bowen when he could.

CB - Jean-Clair Todibo - 4/10

Solid in his box defending and comfortable on the ball in the first half. Was very exposed in the second half with Spurs' fluid movement and interchanging of positions.

CB - Max Kilman - 5/10

Dealt well with the physical Solanke in the first half, but capitulated in the second.

LB - Emerson Palmieri - 7/10

Some nice early drives into midfield, and locked down an in-form Johnson well.

CM - Guido Rodriguez - 6/10

Some good early defensive work, and very accomplished on the ball. However, like a lot of the West Ham team, fell apart as Spurs cut through their midfield in the second period.

CM - Tomas Soucek - 6/10

His usual tenacious self, but lacked quality in possession.

CAM - Lucas Paqueta - 7/10

Most of West Ham's good passing moves came through the Brazilian. Booked for a cynical foul in the first half, however.

RW - Jarrod Bowen - 7/10

West Ham's biggest threat for most of the game, working his way beyond Udogie on a few occasions, and setting up the goal for Kudus. Struggled to get into the game in the second period.

ST - Michail Antonio - 5/10

Mixed display. Combative, and gave Van de Ven and Romero some issues, but some of his passing was very off.

LW - Mohammed Kudus - 5/10

Scored the opener, and his movement to get into those positions when Bowen had the ball on the other side was excellent. However, kept losing the ball with his attempted dribbling, and was sent off for violent conduct late on.

Sub - Carlos Soler - 6/10

Struggled to impact the game.

Sub - Edson Alvarez - 6/10

Some effective defensive work.

Sub - Crysencio Summerville - 5/10

Looked to be positive with his dribbling, but wasn't effective.

Sub - Konstantinos Mavropanos - N/A

Not on long enough to rate.

Man of the Match - Son

Struggled in the first period, looking rusty following a lengthy spell out through injury. However, his passing was sharp throughout, feeding Udogie in dangerous areas on multiple occasions. Eventually, his effectiveness came in the box, finishing emphatically for his goal, and was involved in the Areola own-goal.

Spurs' will hope the return of their skipper reignites their attack like it did in this game, with the pin-point accuracy of his final action certainly not replicated in his understudy Werner. Postecoglou will look to build on Son's creative display from out wide, which still saw him get into dangerous goal-scoring positions.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou had big decisions to make when arranging his line-up for the visit of West Ham this afternoon, but one player didn't even make the matchday squad in what is a baffling choice by the Spurs boss.

Before the international break, Spurs put in a horrendous second half display against Brighton which saw them throw away a two-goal lead in disastrous style to end up on the wrong side of a 3-2 result. Postecoglou lamented his players for the manner of the defeat at the time, but a home game against their London rivals today was the perfect opportunity to put things right.

Earlier this week, Tottenham made a big off-the-field decision by offering Djed Spence a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2028. That move marked a great turnaround of fortunes for the young defender, whose Spurs career appeared to be over this time last year.

But, he's still not been selected by Postecoglou for today's game. There have been unconfirmed rumours of a minor injury, but even before today, he had only played 10 times for the club since joining in 2022 – making the contract decision baffling regardless. He is also not in the Europa League squad.

Djed Spence Excluded from Squad

Defender was not involved at all for West Ham game

Spence has worked hard in pre-season and behind the scenes, impressing Postecoglou with his newfound bright attitude. It has been enough to help the 24-year-old work his way back into Tottenham's plans, with more minutes played already this season than in his previous two years at the club.

Despite some claiming Spence should have started ahead of Destiny Udogie for this weekend's big game against the Hammers, Postecoglou opted to keep faith in the young Italian after a poor showing against Brighton two weeks ago.

That's not the most controversial choice, but what has come as a surprise to anyone looking at Postecoglou's team for the London derby is that Spence is not even in the matchday squad. That's not exactly the way Spence would have wanted to celebrate his new contract, that's for sure.

Spence Deserved his New Contract

Postecoglou praised player's attitude

The new contract for Spence came as something of a surprise, despite his recent resurgence. Spence may have found himself climbing the ranks at Spurs of late, but he is still being limited to a bit-part role and substitute appearances. Indeed, the Englishman is not even included in Tottenham's Europa League squad for the first half of the campaign.

But, speaking to Football.London this week, Postecoglou explained why Spence earned that new deal, saying:

"I said a couple of days ago and consistently say, most of a player's future is in their own hands. They're as much in control as anyone else. I think sometimes footballers forget that. With Djed, it could have been easy for him to go out on loan again. But when he came into pre-season, he was determined to make a career for himself here at Tottenham rather than wait to be loaned out.

"He did everything right in training, his attitude was great. He's a good footballer, I think the way we play suits him and he's knuckled down. He's earned himself a spot on the roster in our squad. The rest is up to him again. Because it's an easy decision for me to make when I see that. Like I said, sometimes footballers think their fate is in other peoples' hands. For the most part, it's in their own hands. If they're doing well and doing everything right, the future tends to take care of itself... and Djed's certainly done that."

Spence will now have to wait until next weekend to get a chance to be back in Tottenham's squad, given his exclusion from Europa League action.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United will go head-to-head in north London on Saturday as both sides look to put an end to their inconsistent starts to the season. Ange Postecoglou's side are coming off the back of a disappointing result away at Brighton where Spurs threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2. West Ham have endured a tricky start to the campaign, but their last result, a 4-1 win at home to Ipswich, will give them plenty of confidence heading into this one.

This fixture last time sprung up a surprise, with the Hammers coming away with a 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to goals from James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen.

Tottenham Team News

Son and Richarlison are fit

Last time out against Brighton, Tottenham were without both Heung-min Son and Richarlison, who have both been on the treatment table due to injuries. The attacking duo have both returned to training of late and could be involved against West Ham.

Postecoglou also endured a scare during the international break after the Swedish international was sent home due to injury. Wilson Odobert has been out in the last couple of weeks, and he's unlikely to be available for this one.

Speaking ahead of Spurs' clash with West Ham, Postecoglou has provided positive injury updates on Son, Richarlison, and Bergvall...

"Sonny is good and worked hard last two weeks. Good for him the two weeks, he's had a solid week and looking to get back out there. We’ve taken our time with Richy and we have taken time to build his fitness base up. He has worked hard, trimmed down and looks lean now. He's good to go now. Lucas Bergvall picked up a knock but trained this morning and there are no problems."

Tottenham Predicted Starting XI

Son to start

Considering his importance to the side, not just due to his quality but his leadership too, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Son brought straight into the starting XI. Timo Werner has struggled for form of late and started on the left-hand side of attack against Brighton, so we could see him drop to the bench.

It might be a little too early for Richarlison to make a start after a long period on the sideline.

Tottenham Predicted Starting XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Kulusevski, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Tottenham Predicted Substitutes: Forster (GK), Gray (DEF), Spence (DEF), Dragusin (DEF), Bergvall (MID), Sarr (MID), Bissouma (MID), Werner (FWD), Richarlison (FWD).

West Ham Team News

Fullkrug yet to return

Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has struggled to make an impact since his move to the Premier League, spending the majority of his time at the club out injured. The German international is unlikely to be available for selection, but Lopetegui is likely to have an almost fully fit squad to choose from.

Lopetegui has also provided an injury update, confirming that Fullkrug still remains out injured and won't be available for the trip to Tottenham...

“[Niclas] Füllkrug is out, and he is continuing to recover from his injury, but the rest I hope will be able to feature. I am going to meet with them this afternoon, but we don’t have bad news about them. The problem is that Niclas had one minor injury at the start, but there’s been a bit of a complication with this injury, and we are waiting for him to recover. It’s true that we thought he would be out for two weeks maximum, but it’s been a month and a half. Hopefully he will be ready for the next matches, but right now he is out. It is true that we had a lot of players in different countries [on international duty], and right now not all of the players have returned. I am going to see the last of the players today and tomorrow, so until the last moment we are not going to be together."

West Ham Predicted Starting XI

The Hammers could be unchanged

Although West Ham have suffered a difficult start to the season, their performance against Ipswich last time out has provided positive signs for the next few months. The Hammers looked in full flow as they struck four times to defeat the Tractor Boys, with Lopetegui starting to figure out his best starting XI.

After the emphatic result, it wouldn't be a surprise to see an unchanged side, particularly with Fullkrug still on the treatment table.

Tottenham Hotspur will carefully manage Richarlison's re-integration back into Ange Postecoglou's squad following his injury, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed, although this is in part to protect his value with a prospective sale in mind for next summer.

Richarlison has been suffering from an injury for the majority of this season, and hasn't featured for Spurs since their 4-0 victory over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in August. His return to action is near, however, with Postecoglou confirming in his press conference on Monday morning that the Brazilian is available for selection for Saturday lunchtime's clash with West Ham United.

Having said that, the North Londoners will err on the side of caution in regard to the forward's minutes, to avoid any risk of early setbacks.

Sources: Richarlison to be Carefully Managed

He could be sold next summer

GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Richarlison's return to action will be forensically monitored, with the club eager not to antagonise any of the issues his body has faced.

The versatile attacker has managed just 25 minutes in the Premier League this season in his two cameo appearances, and has struggled with fitness issues in the past during his time in North London, that have ultimately somewhat hampered his spell with the Lillywhites.

The return of the former Everton man will delight Postecoglou, who will have another option to pick from in his forward-line. The Australian head coach has been operating with a thin selection of attacking players, with the absences of Richarlison, Son Heung-min and Wilson Odobert leaving just Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski as senior available players at his disposal.

The club are intent on helping Richarlison maintain his fitness, and feel as though not over-burdening him with minutes early on is integral to achieving this. While this is to help the team, it's also because they're weighing up the 27-year-old's future.

The Brazil international is contracted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2027, but there is a good chance Spurs will part ways with him next summer. Keeping him fit and in regular action is the best way to ensure he's still a salable asset come June.

Ideally, Tottenham want him to recapture his best form, but there is an awareness that his susceptibility to injury could hinder this, and thus the club's hierarchy will make a decision on his future at the end of the season.

Richarlison Could be a Great Asset to Postecoglou

He's shown his quality before in the Premier League

Postecoglou's team have experienced a mixed start to the new season, amassing ten points from their opening seven Premier League games. Emphatic wins over Manchester United and Everton have been overshaddowed by disappointing defeats to Newcastle, Arsenal and Brighton, and the outspoken former Celtic boss will be eager for his side to push on after the international break.

The re-emergence of a fit and firing Richarlison could be a significant addition to a Tottenham attack that has looked inconsistent this season. The number nine managed eleven goals and four assists last season, and has surpassed ten league strikes in four separate campaigns in his career.

If Postecoglou can reignite this player, he immediately has another reliable and potent option to select from his ensemble.

West Ham United won a game away at Tottenham Hotspur for the first time in four years last season to end a run of five games without a win in north London against their inner-city rivals - and Julen Lopetegui could utilise a secret weapon in Aaron Cresswell to put the Irons into the ascendency against Ange Postecoglou's side and record back-to-back wins in N17 for the first time since 2013.

The Hammers have had a poor start to the Premier League season by their own standards, sitting 12th after seven games with only two wins to their name and a negative goal difference. Tottenham are in a similar boat with some meddling form, and both sides are in need of a win to put their seasons right - and with West Ham likely to be on the back foot, they could utilise Cresswell’s set-piece ability to harm Tottenham - who are one of the least adept sides at defending set-pieces in the entire division.

Cresswell Has a Rich Premier League History

The West Ham legend has a number of assists

Cresswell signed for West Ham back in 2014, and was a first-team regular for almost a decade - registering 283 Premier League appearances in nine seasons for the Hammers, with 30 assists and 10 goals to show for his efforts with the Irons also winning the Europa Conference League and becoming Europa League regulars towards the end of that nine-year spell.

But the arrival of Emerson Palmieri in 2022 saw his competition increase at the London Stadium, and the Liverpool-born full-back only made 11 Premier League outings, totalling 432 minutes last season, with a further three from seven games this season with all of those being substitute appearances from the bench.

This term, he has only played 25 top flight minutes to date with minutes on the pitch being even harder to come by under Lopetegui.

There is no doubting Cresswell’s quality on the ball, as seen with his 30 assists throughout his Premier League career, and that could come into play with Tottenham suffering badly from set-pieces.

Tottenham Are Incredibly Weak From Set-Pieces

There is definitely a weakness to be exploited this weekend

Postecoglou’s side saw Arsenal beat them in the air in the north London derby earlier this season with Gabriel Magalhaes rising highest to nod home in a 1-0 loss against their local rivals, and that isn’t the only time they have struggled to defend against crosses into the box in recent times against the Gunners, who scored twice from corners in the meeting prior at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Of the teams who have featured in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Premier League, Gabriel’s goal made it 18 goals conceded from set-pieces (excluding penalties) since the start of Postecoglou’s reign - with only Nottingham Forest, at the time, conceding more with 23.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Aaron Cresswell has three caps for England, with his most recent appearance coming in October 2017.

And, as per WhoScored, their standing in terms of goals conceded from set-piece has not changed, showing that West Ham could take advantage of the height of Tomas Soucek, Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo with some quality deliveries.

Cresswell has rarely featured this season, and he could take advantage of Tottenham’s woes to inflict damage upon Postecoglou and give themselves a huge boost in their push for a top-half place, and although Emerson is a solid option, having Cresswell in their squad comes at an advantage in situations where he could make a huge difference.