Grade 2 injury rules Tottenham star out until March; February return unlikely
Tottenham Hotspur faces a prolonged absence of star forward Dominic Solanke, who suffered a knee injury last month. Initially expected to return in mid-February, his recovery timeline has now been extended, dealing a blow to Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
The club scrambled to reinforce their attack during the January transfer window, securing Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, a move expedited by back-to-back injuries to Solanke and Brennan Johnson.
Solanke’s absence has already impacted Spurs significantly, particularly in their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool and FA Cup fourth-round exit against Aston Villa.
The injury occurred during a training session leading up to Tottenham’s away clash against Everton in January. Signed from Bournemouth last summer for a club-record fee, Solanke quickly became the team’s top scorer, making his absence even more detrimental to Tottenham’s campaign.
Since sustaining the knee issue, the English striker has missed 11 matches, and recent medical reports suggest he may remain sidelined longer than originally anticipated. Dr. Rajpal Brar, a medical expert, provided insight into the injury, suggesting it likely involves a Grade 2 ligament strain or a meniscus issue.
He initially expected Solanke to resume training in February, but the latest updates indicate a return might not be possible until March. Fortunately, surgery is not required, though the nature of such injuries demands a cautious rehabilitation approach.
Tottenham’s attack has struggled in Solanke’s absence, highlighting his importance beyond goal-scoring. While he has yet to establish himself as a prolific finisher at White Hart Lane, his pressing, off-the-ball movement, work ethic, and hold-up play have been invaluable to Postecoglou’s tactical setup.
With 11 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions this season, he has shown glimpses of his ability, even as he continues adapting to Spurs’ system.
Given the significant investment made in securing his services, fans understandably expect more from him, but his overall contribution to the team extends beyond just finding the back of the net.
The extension of his recovery timeline forces Tottenham to closely monitor his progress in the coming weeks.
Ensuring he returns fully fit for the business end of the season could prove crucial to Spurs’ aspirations. His presence would add depth and quality to the squad at a time when every point and performance matters.
While Tel’s arrival provides an additional attacking option, Solanke’s return remains a priority for Postecoglou as he aims to steady the team’s form and push for strong finishes in domestic and European competitions.
The road to recovery may take longer than expected, but Tottenham will be eager to have their top scorer back as soon as possible to regain momentum in the latter stages of the campaign.