Richarlison could return to competitive action for Tottenham Hotspur as early as Tuesday, with the Carabao Cup emerging as the only door left open for the exiled Brazilian forward.

The striker was dropped from Roberto De Zerbi's official 25-man Premier League squad after the summer transfer window closed, having made clear his desire to leave north London for a fresh challenge. No suitable move came together before the deadline, leaving him frozen out of matchday selections entirely. His last appearance came on August 26, when he sat on the bench as an unused substitute in Spurs' 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic.

A loophole in the rulebook

The Carabao Cup operates under different eligibility rules to the Premier League. Any player holding a valid professional contract with a club can be selected for cup fixtures, regardless of whether they appear on the league's registered squad list. That regulation hands Richarlison a genuine route back onto the pitch ahead of Tottenham's midweek tie against Liverpool.

De Zerbi may have little choice but to turn to him. Tottenham have failed to score in each of their opening four Premier League matches this season — a goalless run that has heaped pressure on the manager, most recently after a frustrating draw against Everton. Despite a summer rebuild worth an estimated £350 million, Spurs have looked worryingly short of cutting edge in attack.

A mutual opportunity

Richarlison finished as Tottenham's top scorer last season, and with the winter transfer window still months away, he is going nowhere before January at the earliest. That reality makes the cup tie against Liverpool a pivotal moment for both player and club.

For De Zerbi, recalling Richarlison offers a proven goalscorer at a time when the attack is in crisis. For the forward himself, the Carabao Cup represents his only opportunity to stay match-sharp and advertise his credentials ahead of a potential January departure.

Without European competition this season, and with the FA Cup not beginning until January, the Premier League door firmly shut, Richarlison faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines if De Zerbi opts not to use him. The decision now rests entirely with the manager.