Tottenham Handed Fresh Injury Concern as Key Star Struggles With Ankle Issue
Tottenham have suffered another fitness concern just days before the start of the new Premier League campaign, with striker Dominic Solanke now facing a race to be fit for the opening game.
The 28-year-old forward, who has been praised by Roberto De Zerbi as one of the Premier League’s top strikers, reportedly experienced ankle discomfort during the week. The issue is believed to have kept him out of Spurs’ recent pre-season meeting with Getafe.
The development will understandably concern Tottenham supporters, particularly after Solanke missed a significant portion of last season because of injury. Spurs have endured several fitness problems over the past two campaigns, making it difficult for the club to maintain a consistent starting XI.
De Zerbi has already taken a cautious approach with his squad during pre-season, carefully managing the minutes of several important players. Some have been given limited game time, while others have been left out of friendly matches altogether. Solanke has also been managed carefully, but this latest ankle problem is now something the club will be monitoring closely.
According to Tottenham insider Szyexcel, Solanke suffered the ankle problem during the week, forcing him to miss the Getafe fixture. There is currently no indication that the injury is serious, but its timing is certainly a concern considering the striker’s 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 are viewed as important to Tottenham’s attacking ambitions, especially after the expectations surrounding his arrival at the club.
The striker is not the only player being monitored. Szyexcel also claims that Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are having their workloads carefully managed, with both defenders considered vital members of the squad.
James Maddison is another concern for Spurs. The midfielder, who missed a large part of last season through injury, is reportedly dealing with a recurrence of an old hip problem, adding another headache for De Zerbi as he looks to begin the campaign with a fully fit squad.
With Solanke, Van de Ven, Udogie and Maddison all carrying fitness concerns, Tottenham could have several key players racing against time to be ready for their Premier League opener against Brentford on August 22.
De Zerbi is expected to continue taking a cautious approach, avoiding unnecessary risks while doing everything possible to have his most important players available when the season begins. Spurs fans will now be hoping Solanke’s ankle problem proves to be nothing more than a minor setback.
