“You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground,” Ferguson was quoted as saying on The Overlap Daily.

Richarlison shared those quotes on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, along with the caption: “Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right.”

As expected, De Zerbi was asked about that latest post from Richarlison when he addresses the media at Hotspur Way on Sunday morning, ahead of Monday night’s must-win home clash with newly-promoted Coventry.

“It's not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It's not my problem,” De Zerbi told reporters. “I know as a coach I have to support and take responsibility even when it's not my responsibility.

“I have not decided anything in this situation. If he wants to speak to me he can find me in my office until 8.30am until the evening.

“But I don't want to speak any more because my focus is on the Coventry game.”