Richarlison scores for Tottenham under-21s in EFL Trophy outing

Richarlison scored for Tottenham Hotspur's under-21 side in their EFL Trophy group stage match at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Brazil international, who is not in the club's Premier League squad, netted a thumping half-volley in a 2-2 draw before converting in a penalty shootout defeat.

It was only his second appearance of the season and his first since the opening weekend defeat at Brentford in August. After George Miller gave the League Two side the lead, Richarlison equalised with a tidy first-time finish from a right-wing cross. Miracle Adewole then put the young Spurs side ahead, but Miller scored deep into stoppage time to force penalties. The 90-minute outing provided vital match sharpness for the forward, who is seeking a move when the transfer window reopens.

Squad omission and failed moves

Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad, a decision manager Roberto de Zerbi insisted was not his. "The decision to omit him from the club's squad in September was not his," De Zerbi said, distancing himself from the call. The forward, who was the club's top scorer last season, saw moves to Everton and Brazilian side Vasco da Gama collapse during the summer transfer window. His exclusion from the league squad also ruled him out of last month's Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool, further limiting his competitive options.

Context of a difficult season

This rare competitive outing comes as the first team struggles in the Premier League. Tottenham currently sit near the bottom of the standings with just a few points from their games, having scored only a small number of goals all season. The team's recent form includes zero wins from their last five outings. Their most recent result was a draw at Manchester United, where Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser. The club's overall stats reflect a team struggling for goals and consistency.

For now, Richarlison may have to get used to gaining minutes in competitions like the EFL Trophy as he waits for a potential January move. The group stage offered a rare competitive opportunity ahead of the winter window, with the senior team's next challenge a home match against Aston Villa this weekend.

Read the full report at bbc.com