Tottenham forward Richarlison posted "Why?" and a tearful emoji on social media after being omitted from the squad for Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool by manager Roberto de Zerbi. The Brazilian's exile follows a proposed £35m deadline-day transfer to Everton collapsing after he failed to agree personal terms. He was also left out of Spurs' Premier League squad amid a contract dispute over the remaining nine months of his deal, which expires next summer, though the club holds a 12-month extension option.

Sources indicate Richarlison is keen to be released and is exploring his options. His absence comes during a difficult start for Spurs, who are still searching for their first win of the new Premier League season under De Zerbi. The team has failed to score in their opening four league matches for the first time in the club's history, despite spending more than £300m in the summer transfer window.

Richarlison was Spurs' leading scorer last season with 12 goals in all competitions, five more than Micky van de Ven and Joao Palhinha. He also has four goals in seven matches against Liverpool during his time at Tottenham. The striker joined Spurs from Everton in 2022 after spells with Watford and Everton and has won 54 caps for Brazil.