Thomas Frank has offered a clearer picture of Dominic Solanke’s rehabilitation, addressing the growing concern among Tottenham supporters about whether the striker might need another operation on his troublesome ankle.
Solanke has been managing discomfort since the summer, and although he tried to push through it, the issue reached a point where surgery in September became unavoidable.
Since then, he has refused to commit to a return date, choosing instead to focus on steady, careful progress as he works toward his first start of the season.
Frank had previously suggested that Solanke might be available at some point after the international break, raising hopes that the striker was edging closer to a comeback.
However, when speaking ahead of the North London derby, the Tottenham manager was noticeably more cautious and avoided offering a specific target for Solanke’s return. Even so, there was a positive undertone to his update, something Spurs fans will welcome after months of uncertainty.
The encouraging news is that Solanke is not expected to require another operation. Frank said he is “pretty sure” the striker will not need to go back under the knife, which suggests steady improvement in his condition.
He also explained that the club is being extremely careful with the striker’s workload as he moves through the final stages of his rehabilitation. According to Frank, the medical staff are constantly assessing when to push him and when to hold back, making sure there are no setbacks.
The manager believes Solanke has reached a point in his recovery where the expectation is for things to continue moving forward gradually.
While Solanke remains unavailable, Tottenham supporters have at least received better news regarding another key forward. Randal Kolo Muani, who fractured his jaw in the first half of the draw against Manchester United, has been back in training wearing a specially fitted protective mask.
His injury initially raised concerns that he might miss several weeks, but his quick return to training has given Spurs a timely lift ahead of the derby.
Frank confirmed that Kolo Muani is “available with a mask,” which means he could feature if the manager feels he is ready for action. Having him back, even if he is eased in from the bench, adds much-needed depth to Tottenham’s attack at a crucial moment.
The manager also shared that Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall are ready to be involved, giving the squad a stronger and more balanced look as they prepare for one of the biggest fixtures of their season.
Although Solanke’s comeback will take a little longer, the overall picture is far from bleak. Tottenham appear committed to protecting their players, ensuring no one is rushed back too soon, while still gaining important reinforcements at the right time.
