Richarlison Scores For Tottenham Under 21s In EFL Trophy Match

Richarlison featured for Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy after being excluded from the club's Premier League squad, scoring in a 2-2 draw before Spurs lost the shootout 7-6.

According to BBC Sport and Sports Yahoo, the 29-year-old forward played 90 minutes, scored Tottenham's equalizer after Cheltenham took the lead before halftime, and recorded three shots on target in his first appearance for the Under-21 team.

Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton for £60m and has made 136 appearances for the club, according to Sports Yahoo. He has also earned 54 caps for Brazil and scored 27 Premier League goals in 103 appearances since arriving in North London.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi previously explained the situation surrounding Richarlison's absence from the league squad after a failed transfer attempt.

"He decided everything alone," De Zerbi said in September.

"He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave.

"At the end we go to bring another striker [in] and, like I said at the beginning of the pre-season, I want to keep the players, just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here.

"Then for everything and other problems, it is not my business and not my job. It is the responsibility of the club.

"I can't say nothing because I didn't decide anything. The message of Richarlison from the beginning of the season has been very clear. I accepted that and for me [there is] nothing [to say]."

According to BBC Sport, Richarlison's move back to Everton collapsed during the transfer window, while a later switch to Vasco da Gama also failed after personal terms were not agreed.

Tottenham's attacking problems have increased pressure on the decision, with BBC Sport reporting the club had scored only three Premier League goals and sat second bottom after six matches.

Former England striker Alan Shearer criticized Dominic Solanke's form, describing the forward as "nowhere near good enough" during Match of the Day coverage, according to BBC Sport.

Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill praised the quality of the EFL Trophy match and the opportunity for his players to face Premier League opposition. He said Richarlison's involvement provided a valuable experience for his squad.

"No, we weren't expecting it, but it was good. When I found out he was on the teamsheet I was actually chuffed with that. I was really pleased.

It gives our lads a glimpse of what it's like at that top level. That was great tonight for us," Cotterill said, according to Gloucestershire Live.

The match gave Richarlison competitive minutes before the next transfer window, while Tottenham's Under-21 side continued its EFL Trophy campaign after previously losing 2-0 to Exeter City.