Tottenham’s Richarlison set for surgery on pelvic injury

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has confirmed to ESPN Brasil that he will undergo pelvic surgery “soon”.

Richarlison, 26, was an unused substitute in Tottenham’s 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Monday and admitted after the match that he had fitness issues.

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“The last few months have not been easy for me,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil.

“I have had health problems. I have already spoken to the doctors about it and soon I will have pubic surgery.

“I’m suffering, I’ve been fighting for my national team and my club for eight months and I don’t take care of myself.

“I think it’s time to rest, to stop for a second. I’ll think about it in the next few days and soon I’ll do what’s best for me.”

Richarlison has been ruled out by Brazil coach Fernando Diniz for this month’s qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

“Of course I was sad when I wasn’t there, but I understand Diniz,” Richarlison said.

“If I were him, I wouldn’t be called either. I didn’t play good football, I was lacking. Of course, I’ve improved in the last few games, but there’s still a long way to go travel before wearing the national team jersey.

“All players want to be called up to the national team. Of course, I hoped for it but I already felt that it was time to rest.”

The former Everton star has scored two goals and set up three more in 11 appearances in all competitions for Spurs this season.

Richarlison knows he has to do better. “I must be okay,” he said.

“I have to be 100% and I’m not. I think the national team coach made the right choice. Young people [Endrick, João Pedro] I steal, so it’s up to me to work. I will definitely return. It’s up to me to work hard every day to get a good run here at Tottenham.”