Tottenham fans will be absolutely buzzing after what the club posted on social media
Tottenham Hotspur’s Resurgence and the Return of Dominic Solanke: What It Means for the Club’s Future
Tottenham Hotspur have recently turned their fortunes around after enduring a difficult spell that saw them plummet to as low as 15th place in the Premier League standings. This slump was largely attributed to a severe injury crisis, which at one point left head coach Ange Postecoglou without as many as 14 first-team players. With such a significant number of absentees, it was no surprise that Spurs struggled to maintain consistency in their performances and results.
One of the most notable injuries during this challenging period was that of Dominic Solanke, the club’s marquee summer signing. The £65 million striker had been sidelined since Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby back in January due to a knee injury. Initially, the prognosis suggested that Solanke would be out for approximately six weeks, dealing a major blow to Spurs’ attacking options.
However, there is now a glimmer of hope for the club as Solanke has been spotted training on grass, as revealed in a recent update from Tottenham’s official social media channels. His return appears to be ahead of schedule, which is an encouraging sign for Postecoglou and his squad as they prepare for the decisive stages of the season.
Solanke’s Potential Return Timeline
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Postecoglou provided an update on Solanke’s fitness and the potential return dates for other key players, including Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. The Spurs boss indicated that while there is only an outside chance of Solanke featuring in the upcoming Europa League last-16 second-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar next Thursday, he is likely to be in full training by then.
“The first European game, I would say there’s an outside chance for any of the three of them [Solanke, Van de Ven, and Romero], but certainly, they will all be back training fully by then,” Postecoglou said. “Then we have Bournemouth on the weekend, and I reckon the odds are much better for that.
“And definitely, by the second European game, they should all be available to play.
“Dom is the only one where we have got to be careful because he is ahead of schedule, so I do not want to push that, in case we need to pull the reins in a bit, but with Romero and Van de Ven, that is the plan at this stage.”
This update will be music to the ears of Spurs fans, as the return of these key players will provide a significant boost to the squad. Romero and Van de Ven’s absence has weakened Tottenham’s defense, while Solanke’s injury left them without a true focal point in attack.
Tottenham Must Address Their Depth in Attack
While Solanke’s accelerated return is undoubtedly a positive development, it also serves as a reminder of Tottenham’s vulnerability in the striker position. The former Bournemouth forward has already missed crucial portions of the season due to injury, raising concerns about whether Spurs can afford to rely solely on him as their primary No. 9.
Richarlison, the club’s £60 million signing from Everton, was expected to provide competition for the starting striker role. However, despite flashes of quality, the Brazilian has failed to establish himself as a consistent goal threat. His struggles in front of goal, combined with his injury concerns, make him an unreliable long-term option for Spurs.
If Tottenham are serious about competing on multiple fronts—whether in the Premier League, domestic cups, or European competitions—they must ensure they have adequate depth in attack. Relying on Solanke alone is a risky approach, and given Richarlison’s inconsistencies, the club should consider offloading him in the summer and reinvesting in a younger, more dynamic forward.
A Smart Long-Term Solution: Liam Delap
One potential solution to Tottenham’s striker dilemma is Liam Delap, the highly-rated Manchester City academy graduate currently on loan at Ipswich Town. The 21-year-old has impressed in the Championship, showcasing the physical attributes, finishing ability, and work rate required to succeed at the highest level.
If Ipswich fail to avoid relegation, Delap could become an affordable and realistic target for Spurs. Under the guidance of Postecoglou, he has the potential to develop into a top-tier striker while providing much-needed depth behind Solanke. His blend of strength, movement, and clinical finishing makes him an ideal candidate to fit into Tottenham’s attacking philosophy.
Final Thoughts
Tottenham’s recent resurgence has provided optimism for the remainder of the season, and the imminent return of key players like Solanke, Van de Ven, and Romero will only strengthen their push for European qualification. However, the club must learn from their struggles this season and take proactive steps to reinforce their squad, particularly in attack.
While Solanke has shown promise, Spurs cannot afford to be caught short again due to injuries. Strengthening their striker options should be a top priority in the summer transfer window, and targeting a young, high-potential forward like Liam Delap could be the smart, long-term move that ensures Tottenham remain competitive on all fronts.