‘He might have fractured his spine…’ – Pundit fuming over Dominic Solanke’s injury treatment

Tottenham Hotspur endured another disappointing night in the Europa League as AZ Alkmaar outplayed them in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The Dutch side not only controlled the game but also applied relentless pressure, making it difficult for Spurs to progress beyond the first phase.

From the moment Vicario released his first pass, a swarm of red shirts closed down passing lanes, suffocating any attempt at structured buildup. The intensity from the home side ensured that Tottenham struggled to establish a rhythm, and despite the difficulties, they were fortunate to escape with just a one-goal deficit.

Once again, the match highlighted ongoing concerns for Ange Postecoglou’s squad. A lackluster performance across the pitch left them searching for answers, and to make matters worse, another key player suffered an injury.

This setback could leave the team short-handed in a crucial position as they prepare for the return leg.

The game itself started on a disastrous note when Lucas Bergvall inadvertently put the ball into his own net, immediately placing Tottenham on the back foot. From that moment, the visitors never quite recovered, struggling to create any meaningful attacking opportunities.

James Maddison failed to make an impact, barely getting involved in the game, while the attacking movements from Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson lacked sharpness.

Postecoglou will demand a vastly improved display when Spurs host the Dutch side in the second leg, but his biggest concern will be the fitness of Dominic Solanke.

The striker, who had only recently returned from an injury that kept him out for ten games, found himself in another troubling situation. In a duel with AZ Alkmaar’s goalkeeper, Solanke took a heavy blow to his lower spine, immediately going down in clear distress.

His screams of pain were evident as the medical team rushed onto the pitch to assess the situation. The concern over his condition deepened, but it was what followed that sparked frustration and criticism from former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara.

With Solanke unable to continue, Postecoglou opted to bring on academy product Dane Scarlett as his replacement. However, the handling of the situation by the medical staff drew criticism, as they chose not to use a stretcher, instead making the visibly injured striker limp off the pitch.

O’Hara, speaking on Sky Sports News, expressed his frustration, questioning why a stretcher was not immediately provided for the player in such evident discomfort.

“They’ve taken him off and he’s limping around, but it really annoys me when a player has to walk 60-70 yards when he’s clearly in a lot of pain. Get a stretcher,” O’Hara remarked.

“You don’t know, he might have fractured his spine. You’re not actually sure what he’s done here, but he’s in a bad way. It really annoys me that they don’t get a stretcher out because he seems to be in a lot of pain.”

The former Spurs midfielder went on to express his hopes that Solanke’s injury was not as severe as it initially appeared, though he acknowledged the clear discomfort the striker was in.

“I’m hoping he’s just got a really bad whack and that he’ll be okay, but it’s going to be sore, that’s for sure. They had to take him off, and he couldn’t continue. If he’s out again, that’s a huge loss.”

The potential absence of Solanke adds another layer of difficulty for Tottenham as they prepare for the second leg. With limited attacking options and an already struggling frontline, Postecoglou will need to find a way to inspire a response from his squad.

The lack of creativity and movement in the first leg left Tottenham ineffective in attack, and without their key striker, they face an even greater challenge.

Tottenham’s struggles in Europe this season have often been a reflection of their inconsistency in domestic competitions. While they have shown flashes of brilliance under Postecoglou, injuries and underwhelming performances have repeatedly derailed their momentum. The upcoming second leg will not only be a test of their tactical adjustments but also of their resilience.

The urgency to turn things around is clear, but with Solanke’s availability in doubt, Postecoglou must consider alternative solutions. The inclusion of Dane Scarlett in the first leg suggests the manager is willing to put faith in younger players when needed.

However, expecting a relatively inexperienced striker to lead the line in such a high-stakes game is a significant gamble. James Maddison will need to step up, dictating play more effectively in midfield, while Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson must find a way to become more involved in the attacking sequences.

Defensively, Tottenham must also tighten up, as AZ Alkmaar exploited gaps and applied pressure that Spurs struggled to handle.

The lack of composure in buildup play and the ease with which the Dutch side disrupted Tottenham’s passing lanes must be addressed before the return fixture.

The second leg at home presents a chance for redemption, but it will require a much sharper, more cohesive performance. With the tie still within reach, Tottenham cannot afford another lackluster display.

Postecoglou will need to rally his squad, instill confidence, and find a way to compensate for the potential absence of Solanke. The road to the semifinals remains open, but only if Spurs can rise to the challenge and deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions.