Richarlison could return for Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night despite being left out of the club’s 25-man Premier League squad.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison may be given a way back into first-team football this week, with the Carabao Cup presenting the out-of-favour attacker with his only genuine opportunity to play competitive matches before 2027.

The Brazil international was omitted from manager Roberto De Zerbi’s official 25-man Premier League squad after the summer transfer window closed.

Richarlison had earlier told the Italian coach that he wanted a new challenge away from north London, but no suitable move was completed before the deadline.

As a result, the forward has been sidelined from matchday squads and has not featured since August 26, when he was an unused substitute in Spurs’ 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic.

But with Tottenham set to take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup this week, De Zerbi could be compelled to call on the forgotten forward.

Unlike the Premier League, Carabao Cup rules do not require players to be included in a 25-man league squad in order to be eligible for selection.

Any professional player who is legally under contract with the club can play, giving Richarlison a loophole and a possible route back onto the field.

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Tottenham have made a troubled start to the 2026/27 season, failing to score even once in their first four Premier League games.

In spite of a £350 million squad rebuild over the summer, Spurs have looked blunt in attack, increasing the pressure on De Zerbi after a disappointing goalless draw with Everton.

Richarlison ended last season as Tottenham’s leading scorer, and with the transfer window now shut, both the player and his manager know he will remain at the club until at least January.

The cup tie in midweek offers a chance for both sides. Turning to Richarlison would provide a proven scorer as Tottenham try to address what is fast becoming an attacking crisis.

For Richarlison, the Carabao Cup is quite literally his only path to first-team minutes, and a chance to put himself back in the shop window before the New Year.

With Tottenham not involved in European competition this season, the FA Cup Third Round not starting until January, and the Premier League route closed until the winter registration window opens, the striker is facing a period on the outside if he is left out again. Whether De Zerbi decides to take that gamble is another matter.