Richarlison has hinted that he is closing in on a return to action ahead of Tottenham's Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester United. The Brazilian has not featured since November after picking up a hamstring injury during their 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

Having missed nine matches at the start of the season due to a groin problem, Richarlison had only been back for less than a month before he limped off against Villa. The 27-year-old cut an emotional figure after sustaining his latest issue and admitted it's a "difficult moment" for him right now.

But six weeks on, Richarlison appears to be making good progress in his recovery. After Ange Postecoglou revealed in his pre-match press conference that the former Everton forward is nearing a return in the "first week of the new year", Richarlison provided an update on social media.

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In an Instagram post, the Brazilian said: "Almost there," followed by an hour glass and a raising hands emoji. Alongside that caption was two images of Richarlison in training as he prepares to get back involved with his teammates, almost two months on from his most recent appearance.

If Postecoglou's timeline proves to be correct, Richarlison could be back for Tottenham's clash with Newcastle on Saturday, January 4. Should Spurs beat United on Thursday then they will face a Carabao Cup first-leg semi-final tie in that midweek before a trip to Tamworth in the FA Cup on the following Sunday.

However, Tottenham's immediate focus at the moment is on that gigantic game against United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Postecoglou's side head into the clash having thrashed Southampton 5-0 on Sunday, while United are also in good spirits after their 2-1 win over arch rivals Manchester City.

Speaking ahead of the game, Postecoglou said "I want to win and want to play well. I don't think it's anything new. We'll go out there and try and play our football. If we do, we'll be hard to stop."