Ange Postecoglou will be hoping for some positive news on Dominic Solanke after the Tottenham striker was forced off with an injury issue in their 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar
The sight of Dominic Solanke grimacing as he made his way off the pitch in stoppage time was the last thing Ange Postecoglou wanted to see. Only returning to action for the first time since January in Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening, the striker would only be involved for around 20 minutes following a nasty collision late on.
Going to contest for the ball with AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro following a cross from the right flank, Solanke took a knee to his lower back or possibly even his hip and immediately went to ground. The 27-year-old was clearly in some pain as he could be seen beating the turf a number of times prior to receiving treatment.
That would be his last involvement in the game as Dane Scarlett was readied and brought on in his place. Solanke didn’t look comfortable at all when hobbling around the perimeter of the pitch when making his way back to the substitutes’ bench with his arm around one of Tottenham’s backroom team. The late knock does now raise question marks over his participation in Sunday’s Premier League home clash against Bournemouth.
l have their fingers crossed that the ex-Chelsea youngster can make a swift recovery from the knock and play some part in the game going on how important he is to Postecoglou’s Tottenham team. Spurs are a much better side with Solanke leading the line and they have missed him dearly during his absence.
With all eyes always going to be on the head coach’s team selection with Solanke, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven making the trip to the Netherlands, the trio started the game on the bench rather than immediately going into starting XI at the very first opportunity. Mathys Tel did operate as a striker once again but it was another game to forget for the young Frenchman
