CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Why is Richarlison not playing today for Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid in leg 2 of 2026 Champions League round of 16?

Tottenham Hotspur will be without forward Richarlison for Wednesday’s high-stakes Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur in action.
© Michael Regan/Getty ImagesRicharlison of Tottenham Hotspur in action.

Richarlison is set to miss the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 clash between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, serving a one-match ban following a yellow card accumulation in the series opener.

The Brazilian was cautioned during the first leg in Spain, a blow that leaves the Spurs without their primary spark as they attempt to overturn a daunting aggregate deficit.

Deprived of the versatile forward, Tottenham enter Wednesday’s home fixture needing a near-impossible offensive output to keep their European ambitions alive.

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Trailing 5-2 on aggregate, Spurs are hunting for a miracle comeback to avoid a similar fate to Chelsea, who saw their own European campaign dismantled by Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

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Atletico Madrid arrive in London intent on protecting their three-goal cushion, likely leaning on the disciplined, low-block structure that has defined the Simeone era.

Who starts for the suspended Richarlison?

With his options limited, Igor Tudor is turning to Randal Kolo Muani to lead the line and provide the clinical edge missing in Richarlison’s absence.

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Richarlison’s suspension caps a frustrating campaign for the Brazilian, who only returned to the squad in January after an extended injury layoff.

His absence is yet another hurdle for a Tottenham side that has struggled for consistency while navigating one of the most severe injury crises in the Premier League this season.

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Tottenham injury report

The selection headache extends beyond the frontline, as Dominic Solanke is also sidelined after picking up a knock. The full list of confirmed absentees for tonight’s pivotal second leg includes:

  • Joao Palhinha – Concussion Protocol
  • Dominic Solanke – Hip injury
  • James Maddison – Knee (ACL – Season-long)
  • Dejan Kulusevski – Knee (Long-term)
  • Mohammed Kudus – Thigh (Expected return after Int’l break)
  • Yves Bissouma – Muscle Strain
  • Rodrigo Bentancur – Hamstring (Severe)
  • Ben Davies – Ankle
  • Wilson Odobert – Knee (ACL)
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