Spurs Aim for Redemption Amid Injury Concerns

Tottenham Hotspur continues to navigate a challenging start to the season without their star striker as they adapt to the management of Thomas Frank. The north London club is set to resume domestic action on Sunday with a high-stakes derby against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, followed by a Champions League rematch against Paris Saint-Germain in France next week.

Currently positioned fifth in the Premier League after the first 11 matches of the season, Spurs have faced criticism for their lackluster home performance. They hold the second-worst home record in the league, surpassing only Wolverhampton Wanderers, while paradoxically boasting the best away record this season.

The Europa League champions have scored a total of 19 goals in the 2025-26 season; however, their leading scorer, Richarlison, has only managed four goals. The Brazilian forward netted a brace during the opening match against Burnley but has found the back of the net just twice since, including a deflected goal against Manchester United prior to the international break.

Dominic Solanke, another pivotal player, will be sidelined for the upcoming matches against Arsenal and PSG due to an ankle injury. Frank previously indicated that the injury was not serious, stating, “It’s an ankle injury which has just been a little bit tricky. It’s nothing big. We are positive it will be relatively quick.” Solanke underwent a minor procedure shortly thereafter and is progressing towards full fitness.

Reflecting on his injury challenges, Solanke shared with The Athletic, “It’s been very difficult. At first, I didn’t think I would be out for too long, but we didn’t fully understand the extent of the injury. I tried to return quickly, but it didn’t happen, leading to surgery. Since then, I have been focused on recovery. I’m taking it day by day, but hopefully, I won’t be out much longer.”

Solanke is not alone in facing injury setbacks, as teammates James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also out due to knee injuries. Additionally, striker Randal Kolo Muani, who was signed on loan from PSG at the deadline, is currently unavailable following a fractured jaw sustained in a match against United.

With limited opportunities to work with Frank since his appointment, Solanke expressed optimism about the new manager’s impact, saying, “I haven’t had the chance to work with him too much, but he is a great man manager. All the players appreciate having him around. He engages with us daily, and the new coaching staff has fostered a positive environment. We have had a solid start this season, and once we regain our injured players, we hope to achieve significant success.”

The England international, who joined Spurs from Bournemouth in 2024, expressed his ambition to win trophies with the club. He played a crucial role in ending Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League earlier this year. Solanke recounts the moment they triumphed against Manchester United in the final, stating, “At that moment, I asked the referee what was happening, and he confirmed it was over. I felt sheer joy, especially seeing Son Heung-min, who has been at the club for so long, achieve this victory. Sharing that moment with my family was incredibly special.

“Winning a trophy is an indescribable feeling. Even this season, I often reminisce about that achievement because I aspire to feel that elation again. In football, you never know when you might win, so when it happens, it’s extraordinary.”

As Spurs confront a series of challenging fixtures, they aim to finish 2025 on a high note. Following the matches against Arsenal and PSG, they will face Fulham at home, striving to improve their dismal home record. December will present further tests, including an away game at Newcastle and subsequent matches against Brentford, Slavia Prague, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace.