Tottenham Handed Fresh Injury Concern as Key Star Battles Ankle Problem
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed another fitness concern with the new Premier League season just around the corner, as Dominic Solanke faces a race against time to be ready for the opening game.
The 28-year-old striker, whom Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly regarded as one of the Premier League’s top forwards, is believed to have experienced ankle discomfort this week. The issue is said to be behind his absence from Spurs’ recent pre-season clash with Getafe.
The news will understandably concern Tottenham supporters, particularly after Solanke missed a significant portion of last season because of injury. Spurs have endured repeated fitness problems over the past two campaigns, making it difficult at times to maintain a settled starting XI and negatively affecting their league campaign.
With the new season fast approaching, De Zerbi has taken a cautious approach during pre-season, carefully managing the workloads of several important players. Some have had their minutes restricted, while others have been left out of certain friendlies altogether. Solanke has been among those monitored closely, but this latest ankle issue gives the club another fitness situation to watch.
According to Tottenham insider Szyexcel, Solanke suffered the ankle problem during the week, ruling him out of the Getafe fixture. There is currently no indication that the injury is serious, but the timing will still cause concern considering his previous fitness struggles.
Solanke is expected to play a major role in De Zerbi’s plans this season. His strength, movement and ability in front of goal could be vital to Tottenham’s attacking ambitions, especially with the club hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing campaign.
However, Solanke is not the only Spurs player whose fitness is being closely monitored. Szyexcel also claims that defenders Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are being managed carefully, with Tottenham keen to ensure both players are fully fit before taking unnecessary risks.
There is also concern surrounding James Maddison. The midfielder, who spent a large part of last season on the sidelines, is reportedly dealing with a recurrence of an old hip problem, adding another headache for De Zerbi as he attempts to assemble a fully fit squad.
With Solanke, Van de Ven, Udogie and Maddison all carrying fitness concerns, Tottenham could have several key players racing against the clock ahead of their Premier League opener away at Brentford on August 22.
De Zerbi is unlikely to gamble with their fitness. His priority will be to avoid rushing anyone back while giving his most important players every opportunity to be ready when the competitive action begins.
After another injury-disrupted period, Spurs supporters will be desperately hoping Solanke’s ankle problem proves to be nothing more than a minor scare.
