World Cup pressure mounts on Tottenham’s Richarlison after injury blow to Arsenal star

Tottenham star Richarlison could become an even bigger part of Brazil’s World Cup bid in Qatar.

Brazil are looking good in Qatar, even with their defeat to Cameroon in their final group stage outing. Tite’s men already knew they were all-but guaranteed top spot in their group with a game to spare, and changes were made to the starting line-up in a bid to rest key players.

One of those players is Tottenham star Richarlison, who scored twice in Brazil’s opening game win over Serbia, before starting the win over Switzerland. Despite spending recent weeks out with injury, Richarlison has been Tite’s leading man, and it was for that reason he was rested for the defeat to Cameroon, with Gabriel Jesus given the opportunity instead.

Jesus played 64 minutes before being withdrawn, and it has since been confirmed that he has picked up a significant knee injury. According to reports in Brazil from Globo, Jesus is likely to miss a month of action due to the setback, and he will miss the rest of the World Cup.

That puts a lot more pressure on Richarlison, who is going to need to lead Brazil’s front line as they go for a World Cup title. Brazil have also lost Alex Telles to injury, while Neymar Jr is yet to resume training after picking up an issue.

Pedro is the only alternative for Tite as far as an out and out striker is concerned, while Brazil could also opt to play with a false nine, with as many as seven wingers in their squad, if you include Neymar in that equation.

Jesus does look like he will be back in time to face Tottenham for Arsenal in around six weeks’ time, but as far as Brazil are concerned, it looks like Richarlison is going to have to take on a lot more pressure as he and his country go for gold.