Tottenham’s Thomas Frank Adopts Careful Strategy for Dominic Solanke’s Recovery – The Athletic

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank is managing the recovery of Dominic Solanke with caution. Solanke underwent minor ankle surgery on October 1, 2023, and is now progressing through individual training.

Solanke’s Recovery Process

Frank stated he is taking a cautious approach, emphasizing a “day by day and week by week” strategy for Solanke’s return. The 28-year-old had previously missed most of the pre-season due to this ankle issue.

• Pre-season absence: Solanke missed the majority of pre-season training.
• Latest match appearances: He returned as a substitute in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, and played some minutes in the Premier League matches against Burnley and Manchester City.
• Last appearance: His last match was on August 23, during a 2-0 victory at Manchester City.

Despite a positive recovery, Frank stressed the importance of not rushing Solanke back into full action. “Dom’s progressing well after the surgery,” he commented. The coach is optimistic yet realistic about the recovery timeline, recognizing that Solanke has not trained with the team since July.

Team Updates and Other Players

Mathys Tel filled in as the central striker during Tottenham’s recent 2-1 victory over Leeds United. He also performed impressively on the international stage, scoring in two matches for France’s Under-21s.

Richarlison remains a pivotal player, having netted three goals in five league starts this season. Additionally, Randal Kolo Muani, who was signed on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is also making strides in his recovery. He trained for two weeks with the team and is expected to be considered for the squad in the upcoming match against Aston Villa.

Injury Concerns

The team’s injury woes were aggravated when Yves Bissouma sustained an ankle ligament injury while playing for Mali. His injury was serious enough to require a stretcher. Frank confirmed that Bissouma will be sidelined for several weeks, as he was not included in the squad for the UEFA Super Cup and the Champions League phase due to prior disciplinary reasons.

Key Upcoming Matches

Tottenham will face Aston Villa in their next match. The coaching staff and fans are hopeful that both Solanke and Kolo Muani will contribute positively as the season continues.