Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been filled with highs and lows under Thomas Frank, and frustration among fans and the manager continues to build after their recent stumble in form.
Their 2-2 draw against Manchester United summed up their struggles perfectly a game that slipped away in the dying moments as United equalized in the 96th minute. The result means Tottenham have now secured just one win from their last four Premier League matches, and while the draw was disappointing, the real blow came in the form of another injury setback.
Randal Kolo Muani, who had only recently returned to the starting lineup, was forced off at halftime after sustaining a fractured jaw. Tottenham’s medical team expects the French striker to be sidelined for at least eight weeks, but there’s growing concern that surgery might extend his recovery period even further.
This adds yet another name to Tottenham’s already crowded injury list and piles more pressure on Frank, who is still searching for consistency and stability in his first months in charge.
Kolo Muani’s time in North London has been plagued by setbacks since his arrival. The forward missed the start of the campaign due to a muscle injury and had just started to regain match fitness when misfortune struck again.
In total, he has managed only eight appearances this season, leaving Tottenham short of attacking options at a crucial stage. With Dominic Solanke also unavailable following ankle surgery last month, the squad is stretched thin in the final third, and Frank’s tactical flexibility has been severely compromised.
Former Tottenham and Manchester United scout Mick Brown believes this latest development will force the club’s hand in the upcoming transfer window. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown suggested that Tottenham will have no choice but to bring in a new striker in January.
“Tottenham are going to have to look at signing a striker,” he said. “There are serious concerns about the attacking situation. Between injuries and a lack of form, they don’t have a reliable source of goals right now. If you want to compete at the top level, you need a striker who can score consistently and Tottenham just don’t have that at the moment.”
Brown also voiced his concerns about Kolo Muani’s repeated injury issues, pointing out that this was the second major setback since his arrival in the summer. “It’s worrying,” he added.
“Even though this one isn’t a muscle problem, two injuries in quick succession will be a big concern for the club. They’ll need to reassess their options because relying on him right now isn’t feasible.”
This echoes earlier reports suggesting that Tottenham had already been exploring attacking reinforcements even before Kolo Muani’s latest injury.
According to Football Insider, Porto’s young striker Samu Aghehowa has been on the club’s radar, with scouts monitoring his performances closely. There have also been speculative links to former captain Harry Kane, whose contract at Bayern Munich reportedly includes a release clause that could become active in 2026.
While a Kane reunion appears unlikely, Tottenham’s interest in other targets such as Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta indicates that they are casting a wide net ahead of the January window.
However, signing a quality striker mid-season is rarely straightforward. Palace are said to be unwilling to part with Mateta, while other high-profile targets may prove too costly or unavailable.
Football Insider recently suggested that Tottenham could struggle to secure a deal and may ultimately have to make do with their current squad until the summer.
Still, with the pressure mounting and their frontline depleted, it seems increasingly likely that Frank will push for reinforcements to keep Spurs competitive in the second half of the season.
Here’s a quick summary of Tottenham’s striker situation heading into the January window:
| Player | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randal Kolo Muani | Fractured jaw | 8–12 weeks | Could require surgery |
| Dominic Solanke | Ankle surgery | December 2025 | Under recovery supervision |
| Dane Scarlett | Fit | Active | Likely to play increased minutes |
| Potential January Target | Undecided | N/A | Club actively scouting options |
Tottenham’s ambitions of finishing in the top four remain intact, but their path will be difficult without a consistent goalscorer. Frank’s ability to adapt during this period will be crucial, yet the January transfer window could define their season.
Whether through returning stars or a new arrival, Tottenham need a reliable forward presence because without one, their push for silverware and a Champions League return might fade before the spring.
