Antonio Conte confirms huge Tottenham injury blow ahead of Man Utd clash

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.

Spurs have made a good start to the season, sitting four points behind leaders Arsenal and level on points with second-placed Manchester City after 10 games. In contract, United have been under-par so far this term, continuing their inconsistent form with a draw against Newcastle United at home over the weekend.

As things stand, the Red Devils are seven points behind Spurs, but they do have a game in hand, so should they defeat Antonio Conte’s men at Old Trafford on Wednesday and win their game in hand, they could move to within striking distance.

That’s easier said than done, but it’s Tottenham who may find life a little more difficult after losing a key part of their attack through injury.

Richarlison, who has impressed in his early Spurs career, picked up a calf injury during Tottenham’s win over Everton on Saturday, and he is now waiting to hear the latest on his scans - which take place on Monday - ahead of the World Cup in November.

“It’s kind of hard to say because it’s close to the realisation of my dream. I have a scan but even walking hurts,” Richarlsion told ESPN Brazil. “I’ve already suffered a similar injury to this but I hope it can heal as soon as possible. The last time when I was at Everton, I was out of action for about two months. I have to stay positive if I want to go to Qatar.”

Meanwhile, Conte has already ruled Richarlison out of the United clash, which is unsurpising given the quick turnaround. “For sure against Manchester United he’s out,” Conte said. “He felt something in his calf and he won’t be available.

“I think he needs a bit of time to recover. It’s a pity because we are talking about a player who gives us a lot of quality but is also strong and improves our intensity. He will have an MRI scan to understand it tomorrow, we hope it is not serious.”

In terms of how Tottenham will replace Richarlison, Conte has a couple of standout options. He could move Ivan Perisic up into the role behind Harry Kane, where Richarlison has been playing, alongside Son Heung-min.

Djed Spence or Lucas Moura could then fill in for Perisic in the wing-back role, though, Moura could also come in for Richarlison in a straight swap, keeping Persisic out wide. It’s unlikely Conte will change his shape, with the 3-4-2-1 working well for Spurs so far this season.