'I’ve been suffering' - Tottenham forward Richarlison says he will have surgery on lingering injury

Tottenham forward Richarlison says he will soon have surgery to rectify a pelvic injury, adding he has been “suffering” while fighting for club and country for most of the year.

The Brazil international’s last start for his club was at the end of last month, in a 2-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace.

He did not make it off the bench in Monday’s chaotic 4-1 defeat to Chelsea - with Ange Postecoglou forced to use his substitutes to plug holes caused by red cards and injuries.

Richarlison has endured a difficult season so far, scoring twice in 15 appearances for club and country, and he was not included in the latest Brazil squad.

In September, he spoke openly about his mental health and said he would be seeking “psychological help”.

“The last few months haven’t been easy for me,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil this week.

“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.”

It is not clear whether Richarlison will be available for Spurs’ trip to Wolves this Saturday lunchtime, live on TNT Sports, which is their last game before the international break.

“I was sad when I was not called up [for Brazil duty] but I understand [Brazil caretaker head coach Fernando] Deniz,” he said.

“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. The guys are flying, so it’s up to me to keep working. I’ll definitely be back. I didn’t get here by chance. It’s up to me to work hard every day and get into a rhythm here at Tottenham.

“I was hoping to play here [vs Chelsea] in an important game, a derby. Yesterday, I was told that I wouldn’t be playing, but that’s part of football.

"Every player wants to be called up for the national team. Of course, I was hoping for it but already felt that it was time for a rest.”

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