Solanke injury latest as Postecoglou issues update on Spurs striker
Tottenham are once again facing concerns over the fitness of Dominic Solanke after the striker appeared to sustain another injury during their Europa League defeat against AZ Alkmaar.
Making his return after a seven-week absence due to a knee injury suffered in training, Solanke was introduced late in the match as Spurs chased an equalizer. His presence was meant to inject energy into the attack, but his comeback quickly turned into another potential setback for the club.
As the game edged into stoppage time, Solanke leaped to contest a cross, only to collide mid-air with Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. The impact sent him crashing onto his left side, and the immediate signs were worrying.
Clutching his side in clear discomfort, he signaled distress and was unable to continue. With no chance of playing on, he was replaced by Dane Scarlett and helped off the pitch, leaving Tottenham with yet another fitness concern at a crucial stage of the season.
The timing of this injury could not be worse for Spurs, who have been gradually recovering from a relentless injury crisis that has plagued their squad.
Just as key players were returning to action, the prospect of losing Solanke again presents a fresh headache for the team. Tottenham now face an uphill battle to secure progression in the Europa League after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Given their struggles in other competitions, the European campaign has taken on even greater significance, making every player’s availability crucial.
After the match, manager Ange Postecoglou addressed Solanke’s condition, offering a cautious update on his status. The Spurs boss stated that initial assessments suggested it was a knock rather than a serious injury, though he admitted the striker was feeling sore.
While that provides a glimmer of hope, the club will undoubtedly monitor the situation closely, knowing that even a minor setback at this stage could disrupt their plans for the remainder of the season.
Tottenham’s campaign has been far from straightforward, with injuries playing a significant role in their struggles. Having been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, their Premier League form has been inconsistent, keeping them stuck in mid-table for months.
With Champions League qualification looking increasingly unlikely, their Europa League journey represents their best chance of salvaging something from the season. The challenge now is to overcome the deficit from the first leg while managing the squad’s fitness concerns.
Losing Solanke again, even for a short period, would limit their attacking options, forcing Postecoglou to rethink his approach ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
His recent absence already left a void in the squad, and his return was supposed to bolster their attack for the business end of the season. If this injury proves significant, it could derail Tottenham’s ambitions even further.
The club’s medical team will conduct further evaluations in the coming days, hoping that the initial optimism holds true and that Solanke can recover quickly.
For Spurs, this season has been one of constant adjustments, with injuries dictating team selection and strategy more often than not. Every time they seem to be turning a corner, another setback arises, testing the squad’s resilience and depth.
The coming weeks will reveal whether they can navigate this latest challenge and keep their Europa League hopes alive, or if Solanke’s injury will be yet another stumbling block in an already turbulent campaign.