Tottenham dealt injury blow ahead of Champions League showdown with Villarreal

 

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke continues to manage the knock that sidelined him for much of pre-season, and the issue has already caused him to miss two important fixtures – the clashes with Bournemouth and West Ham. His absence has been felt, with Thomas Frank forced to adjust his attacking setup as the club juggles domestic and European commitments.

 

Ahead of Spurs’ convincing win over the Hammers on Saturday, Frank was pressed on whether the problem could be serious enough to warrant surgery. The manager avoided giving a definitive answer but reassured supporters that the situation was under control and unlikely to develop into a long-term layoff.

 

> “I think right now we are doing everything we can – the medical team are fully on top of it – and that’s what we’re focusing on,” Frank explained. “I get a feeling he is not too far away, but unfortunately he just fell short for this week.”

 

 

 

That update will come as a relief to Spurs fans, who have seen Solanke quickly establish himself as a central figure since his summer arrival. While the England international remains a doubt, the club is preparing contingency plans.

 

If Solanke is forced to sit out again, Richarlison is expected to step back into the starting XI to spearhead the attack. The Brazilian only returned late in the week following international duty and therefore began on the bench against West Ham. In his place, Mathys Tel was handed a start, though the young Frenchman struggled to impose himself on the game and, more importantly, cannot be used in Europe after being omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad for the league phase. That decision rules him out of the upcoming midweek clash with Villarreal.

 

Another option is Randal Kolo Muani, who joined Spurs during the summer window and is now pushing to make his long-awaited debut. The French forward offers versatility across the front line and could provide a timely boost if Solanke’s recovery takes longer than anticipated.

 

Meanwhile, defensive recruit Radu Drăgușin continues his own path back to full fitness. The Romanian centre-back was spotted training individually with a fitness coach away from the main group, suggesting the club are carefully managing his workload before reintegrating him fully into team sessions.

For now, Spurs supporters will be hoping that Solanke’s setback proves as minor as Frank suggests. His return could be crucial as Tottenham look to build momentum in both the Premier League and the Champions League in what promises to be a defining stretch of the season.