Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a severe blow with the news that key forward Richarlison is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines.
Significant Setback for Spurs' Attack
The Brazilian international sustained a hamstring injury during last weekend's Premier League clash against Aston Villa. Manager Thomas Frank has now confirmed the striker could be out of action for up to seven weeks.
This absence represents a major setback for the North London club, given Richarlison's influential form this season. The 28-year-old has been a crucial figure in attack, contributing seven league goals and three assists in the current campaign.
Frank's Update Ahead of Crucial Derby
Frank delivered the update during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, 15 January 2026, ahead of Saturday's London derby against West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"It's a significant injury for us and for Richy," Frank stated. "He's been in excellent form, so we will miss him. The medical team's initial assessment suggests a recovery timeline of around six to seven weeks."
Mixed News on the Squad Fitness Front
While the Richarlison news is damaging, Frank did provide some positive updates on other members of his squad. Midfielder Yves Bissouma is expected to return to the club imminently following Mali's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Furthermore, several players are nearing a return to full fitness or are rejoining the group. The list includes:
- Young midfielder Lucas Bergvall
- Left-back Destiny Udogie
- Striker Dominic Solanke
- Club captain Cristian Romero
Frank also took time to praise the impact of recent signing Conor Gallagher. The England midfielder joined from Chelsea in the summer, and his manager hailed him as a "top signing", specifically highlighting the experience and leadership qualities he has brought to the squad.
Implications for Tottenham's Season
Losing a player of Richarlison's calibre and current form for nearly two months is a serious challenge for Tottenham's ambitions. His goal threat and link-up play will be difficult to replace directly.
The injury comes at a busy period in the fixture calendar, meaning Frank will have to rely on his squad depth. The imminent returns of Solanke and others will now be even more critical as Spurs look to maintain their momentum in the Premier League and other competitions.
All eyes will be on how the team adapts without their star forward, starting with this weekend's high-pressure encounter against London rivals West Ham.
