Dominic Solanke Set for Crucial Return as Spurs Seek Goals
Dominic Solanke is finally edging towards centre stage – and Roberto De Zerbi is ready to throw down a challenge to the rest of his misfiring Tottenham attack.
The striker has managed just 114 minutes in all competitions this season, a bystander while Spurs have stumbled through three Premier League games without scoring. On Saturday evening, that could change.
Solanke nearing long-awaited return
De Zerbi confirmed Solanke is in contention to start for the first time since April when Everton visit north London, ending a frustrating spell on the fringes.
The 28-year-old has not started a match for Spurs since he limped off with a hamstring injury just 40 minutes into last season’s crucial 1-0 win at Wolves. An ankle problem then wrecked the rest of his campaign. He spent the run-in watching from the bench as Tottenham clung to their Premier League status on the final day.
The plan was simple over the summer: a full pre-season, a clean slate, and Solanke fit and firing for the new campaign. Reality was slower. The club’s medical staff, working closely with De Zerbi, decided not to rush him, wary of both his injury record and the impact of travel and jet lag.
Under performance director Dan Lewindon, Spurs have overhauled their medical and performance department and have taken a conservative line, especially with players like Solanke who carry a history of setbacks. The result: a key forward reduced to cameos while goals have dried up.
De Zerbi, though, now believes the wait is almost over.
“I think he is close. He’s a crucial player for us, Dom Solanke. For the characteristics, personality, level of the player. He’s very close after two times on the bench – Newcastle and Nottingham – he could start the game. Or, anyway, Tuesday, he can start the game,” the head coach said, pointing to either Everton on Saturday or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round as the moment his No9 finally leads the line again.
Goals gone, pressure rising
Spurs remain winless in the league, but their performances have not been as bleak as the table suggests. The real problem is blunt and obvious: they cannot put the ball in the net.
The 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend underlined it. Tottenham had control, but little cutting edge. The attack looked short on ideas, short on conviction, and entirely without a focal point.
That lack of punch has been framed against the exodus of goals in recent windows. Brennan Johnson, top scorer in the 2024/25 campaign, was allowed to leave for Crystal Palace in January. On Saturday night he will be in the away dressing room, likely starting for Everton at the very ground he used to call home.
Spurs are also working on a move for last season’s leading scorer Richarlison, with Vasco da Gama pushing to take the Brazilian back. Add the earlier departures of Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane, and the volume of goals that has walked out of the club is stark.
De Zerbi, though, is not panicking about what has gone. His focus is on what remains.
“Solanke didn’t play many games. I hope Solanke can be available this season more than last season. Marmoush didn’t play for Tottenham last season,” he said, pointing to fresh options who have barely been seen in a Spurs shirt.
“Savio didn’t play last season for Tottenham. And then all players they have to… Mathys Tel has to improve. Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Now he is 22 years (old) and he has to push, to show.
“Because the level of football is you show who you are and what you can do, or you lose the level. I think we can score goals with this squad, but we have to see.”
That is the crux of it. De Zerbi has thrown down the gauntlet. Solanke’s return offers a focal point, a target, a presence. Around him, a cluster of young and unproven attackers must prove they belong at this level, and at this club.
Everton at home, Liverpool in the cup, and a striker desperate to make up for lost time. Spurs need someone to seize the moment. Will Solanke be the one?
