Richarlison set to be fit for World Cup following calf injury fears

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has put to rest fears Richarlison could miss the World Cup by confirming the forward is expected to be fit to feature in the tournament next month.

The Brazilian sustained a calf injury during the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton and left the ground on crutches.

Richarlison gave a tearful interview post-match where he conceded his World Cup dreams could be over but his club boss provided a positive update on the 25-year-old when previewing Wednesday’s trip to Manchester United.

Antonio Conte confirms Richarlison should be fit for the World Cup. AC: “He has an injury but it is not a serious injury. I hope he can play games for us before the World Cup. #thfc pic.twitter.com/EiLVhHvpA1

— George Sessions (@GeorgeSessions) October 17, 2022

“No, absolutely not. No, I can confirm this, that the player is not risking to not play at the World Cup,” Conte said.

“It’s an injury but not so serious. He has a problem in his calf. I think he needs a bit of time to recover and then to be fit. I hope for him to play other games with us before the World Cup but for sure the injury is not so serious.

“I’m happy for the player because to play in the World Cup is the dream for every single player and for this reason I am happy for him. Also we’re talking about a player that when he goes to play he gives you everything.”

While Conte confirmed Richarlison will definitely miss out on the clash at Old Trafford, he was more coy on Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played since last month due to a hamstring injury.

He added: “Kulusevski is working. We will see, we will see. We have to go day by day with him and the medical department are working a lot to try to recover him but we don’t know for the game