The honeymoon period is over for Ange Postecoglou at Spurs | Football Digest
Tottenham ace Richarlison could have an awkward meeting with West Ham rival Michail Antonio if the pair meet next week. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Richarlison is close to returning from injury – with their London derby just days away.
The Brazilian forward has been out for a month after undergoing surgery on a groin issue. However, the 26-year-old is close to returning to action and could feature in their match against West Ham on Thursday night.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY the Spurs boss provided an injury update, he said: “Richy’s (Richarlison) probably the closest out of the ones who have been missing, so looking to get him involved in training hopefully tomorrow (Saturday) and then we’ll see how he is as he’s obviously missed a fair bit.
“He’s done his rehab really well and he feels good which is important. He’s sort of the next cab off the ranks in terms of the injured guys.” If Richarlison is fit to play against West Ham then there will be interest on whether he shakes hands with Antonio.
The Brazilian has said that he would refuse to shake Antonio’s hand when they next play, following comments the West Ham star made last season. Richarlison had a disappointing first season for Spurs netting just one Premier League goal, compared to 10 the previous season with Everton.
The forward’s goal tally would have been higher had VAR not ruled out three of his efforts. Antonio made a dig at his Premier League counterpart on the The Footballer’s Football Podcast alongside Newcastle striker Callum Wilson.
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Antonio joked: “He’s scored four times this season. Three of the times he has been offside. He has taken his top off four times this season.” After sensing some ill-feeling following the comment Antonio asked his Hammers team-mate and Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta to help clear up the situation.
He later added on the podcast: “Lucas is like ‘it’s just how he is, Mickey. I told him that’s how you are. But he says ‘no, no, no. When we play against them. I am not going to shake his hand’.”
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