‘In contention’ – Thomas Frank offers most optimistic Tottenham striker injury update
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a challenging situation up front, with their attacking depth stretched thin. Dominic Solanke, the club’s marquee summer signing, continues to recover from an ankle injury that required surgery during pre-season. The English striker has been sidelined for weeks, and while his rehabilitation is progressing well, he has yet to return to full fitness. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani — Spurs’ high-profile loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain — has also been unavailable due to a minor but nagging “dead leg” that has delayed his debut in North London.
However, there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel for head coach Thomas Frank. According to reports from Spurs Global, Kolo Muani could make his long-awaited debut this weekend when Tottenham face Aston Villa in the Premier League. Frank offered an encouraging update on the French forward’s condition during his latest press conference, revealing that the 25-year-old has resumed full training and is steadily regaining sharpness.
> “Kolo Muani has trained for two weeks with the team — he looks better and better — and he’s in contention for the weekend,” said Frank. “Dom’s progressed well post-surgery and he’s moving forward. Unfortunately, Biss had a situation with the national team and has a ligament issue in his ankle, so he’ll be out for a few weeks.”
Kolo Muani’s road to Tottenham has been anything but straightforward. After a frustrating spell at PSG, where he struggled to find consistent minutes, the French international spent last season on loan at Juventus. Despite facing tough competition in Turin, he impressed with his versatility, work rate, and creativity in the final third — qualities that Tottenham were keen to bring into their attack. Spurs ultimately beat Juventus to his signature this summer, sealing a loan deal that could prove crucial to their ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Before his move to PSG, Kolo Muani was widely regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s most complete forwards during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt. His blend of pace, strength, and intelligent movement made him a nightmare for defenders, while his ability to link play and create for teammates highlighted his all-around attacking acumen. Tottenham will be hoping that a change of environment allows him to rediscover that same form and confidence.
In Solanke’s absence, much of Tottenham’s attacking burden has fallen on the young shoulders of Mathys Tel, who has shown flashes of potential but still lacks the experience and consistency required to lead the line week in, week out. Kolo Muani, with his experience in multiple top leagues and his adaptability across the front three, could be the steadying influence Spurs need in attack. Even a short cameo against Aston Villa — perhaps 15 or 20 minutes off the bench — could serve as a valuable tune-up ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League clash against AS Monaco next week, where Frank will need all his top players available.
If Tottenham can stabilize their striker situation and get at least one of their young wingers — such as Wilson Odobert or Tel — firing on the left flank, Frank’s preferred starting XI would begin to look complete. With their attacking depth restored, Spurs could finally possess the balance and fluidity required to compete on multiple fronts this season.
All eyes will now be on Kolo Muani this weekend. After weeks of waiting, Tottenham fans are eager to see what the Frenchman can bring to the team — whether it’s a late spark off the bench or a full-fledged performance that reintroduces him as one of Europe’s most dynamic forwards. For both Kolo Muani and Spurs, Sunday’s game could mark the start of something promising.