Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has undergone groin surgery, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou with the task of finding an efficient replacement for their coming games.
The Brazilian international will begin rehabilitation with the Spurs medical staff immediately and is expected to return to training in the coming weeks.
Postecoglou, who recently experienced his first Premier League defeat against Chelsea, now faces a brief period without Richarlison.
The former Everton man will likely miss the upcoming matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.
In the absence of Richarlison, Postecoglou will likely turn to summer signing Brennan Johnson to fill the void in the starting line-up.
The Wales international started against Chelsea but was sacrificed due to red cards received by Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie during the chaotic clash.
Johnson made the big-money move from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window but has yet to find his footing in his new environment.
Richarlison’s injury offers him a golden opportunity to rediscover his form and build momentum.
The 22-year-old forward is yet to score for his new club but provided a crucial assist in the win over Crystal Palace last month.
Postecoglou will rely on Johnson to deliver in Richarlison’s absence as Spurs gear up for tough fixtures leading up to the festive period.
The international break before the Villa game provides an additional window for Richarlison’s recovery and Johnson’s development.
Apart from losing three points to their London rivals on Monday, Spurs came off worse for wear after suffering a few injury concerns and picking up suspensions for the coming games.
Defender Micky van de Ven pulled up after a race with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for the ball. He is out until January.
Postecoglou also took off influential playmaker James Maddison before the half-time break in the Chelsea game, and there have not been any updates regarding his situation.
Couple these with the suspensions of Romero and Udogie, and Tottenham are in a seriously tight spot.
Postecoglou will need his available players, including Johnson, to step up and fill the gap to keep their title challenge alive.
