Richarlison injury: Progress & potential return date for Tottenham forward

After a night of pure chaos for Tottenham Hotspur, there is some more bad news for the Lilywhites.

Ange Postecoglou's side, despite taking an early lead, fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of London rivals Chelsea, although that barely tells the story of a bonkers affair. Tottenham were reduced to nine men after Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were sent off, there were five disallowed goals and both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven hobbled off injured.

All in all, a pretty stressful night for Spurs supporters, with today's news that forward Richarlison will undergo surgery only exacerbating things. The Brazilian has announced that he will be taking some time to rest up and recuperate after a period of playing through pain, leaving Postecoglou without another squad member.

But just what's the issue with Richarlison and for how long could he be sidelined?

What injury does Richarlison have?

Claiming that he has been playing through injury for eight months for both club and country, Richarlison will now undergo surgery on his pubic bone.

Speaking about his injury, the forward stated: "The last few months haven't been easy for me. I've also been suffering with my health. I think I've already talked to the doctors and I'll soon have surgery on my pubic bone.

"I've been suffering for eight months; fighting, looking at the national team, and at the club. I think the time has come to rest, take a break. Let's see the next few days. Soon I'll do what's best for me."

The 26-year-old was an unused substitute during Tottenham's thriller with Chelsea, a game in which he wasn't required under the unique circumstances. Richarlison adds his name to a growing list of absentees in north London.

How long will Richarlison be injured?

Despite having not been in great form this season, Richarlison's absence will be felt by Spurs, especially given their current injury and suspension list.

Given that he is undergoing surgery on his pelvis, the forward is likely to be injured for approximately two months. This means that it's unlikely that Richarlison will play again in 2023, perhaps pencilling in a return at the beginning of next year.

Tottenham are still assessing injuries to Van de Ven and Maddison, both of whom were withdrawn by Postecoglou before half-time against Chelsea. The pair would be a huge miss in both the short and long-term, while Romero and Udogie will also miss games with suspensions.

Both Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon are also expected to be out until 2024, while Ryan Sessegnon and Ben Davies are also sidelined at present.

Tottenham's Premier League title bid took a knock on the pitch yesterday and it looks likely to take one in the treatment room as well.

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