Tottenham star warned World Cup dream is hanging by a thread - 'Last chance'

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Brazil are set to face Senegal and Tunisia in international friendlies as their World Cup preparations continue after securing qualification for next summer's finals

Tottenham striker Richarlison has been warned his place in the Brazil squad is under threat ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.

The 28-year-old was included in Carlo Ancelotti's latest squad for upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, however, the decision has been heavily scrutinised back home in South America.

While Richarlison was excellent for the Selecao at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals and registering one assist in Qatar, his form has been patchy this term for Tottenham.

In fact, the ex-Everton forward has not scored for his country since netting in the 4-1 last 16 triumph against South Korea at the 2022 tournament.

It means he has now gone nearly three years without scoring for Brazil, yet he continues to be picked by Ancelotti.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo have published an article assessing Ancelotti's latest squad and have noted that Richarlison is facing his "last chance" to justify his inclusion.

Last month, he was a second-half substitute in Brazil's friendly matches against South Korea and Japan as Chelsea star Estevao grabbed the headlines. Additionally, the Brazilian media have also argued that Brentford's Igor Thiago should be in the squad after rattling in eight Premier League goals for the Bees. Prior to last Saturday when Richarlison struck late in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, he hadn't scored for Spurs since the 2-2 draw at Brighton in September.

He also recently missed a penalty in Tottenham's 4-0 Champions League demolition of Copenhagen, typifying his struggles in front of goal.

Richarlison has never been more important to Spurs after losing loanee Randal Kolo Muani to a fractured jaw. Dominic Solanke also remains sidelined with an ankle issue. Given Brazil also have the likes of Joao Pedro and Matheus Cunha competing for the centre-forward role, there are fears Richarlison could soon slide down the pecking order. Some journalists have also questioned whether Ancelotti is only showing loyalty towards Richarlison because of the connection they formed during their time together at Everton. Ancelotti said earlier this month after naming his squad: "We are evaluating with the technical staff the centre forward who has a different profile from those in this squad, for example, a different profile from Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha or Vitor Roque, who like to play with the ball, they don't have the profile of a reference point in the area. "Richarlison has the profile of a reference point in the area, Igor Jesus too. We are happy that he is doing well at Nottingham Forest. We are looking for a central striker with this profile. Richarlison isn't playing much right now, but as a centre forward he has scored many goals for the Brazilian national team."