Dominic Solanke makes Tottenham injury confession after Thomas Frank boost

Dominic Solanke has provided a Tottenham update after missing the last seven weeks because of an ankle injury with Thomas Frank having been handed a fitness boost elsewhere

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has sent a new message after being troubled by an ankle problem since pre-season that eventually required surgery to resolve the issue. Solanke made several brief appearances in competitive fixtures before being sidelined for the clash against his former side Bournemouth in late August.

He hasn’t played since the 2-0 victory over Manchester City almost eight weeks ago. When questioned about Solanke’s condition, Frank provided encouraging updates initially, but that optimism ended last month when perhaps the worst-case scenario was revealed.

“Dom we know got that ankle issue that’s been bothering him for a little while,” he said. “Decided to have minor surgery. Small procedure. More news about time frame after the international break.”

That date has now come, with Frank anticipated to give a more precise return schedule in his press conference later today.

Richarlison and Mathys Tel have split striking responsibilities in his absence, with the latter netting his first goal of the campaign in the 2-1 victory over Leeds United.

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Summer acquisition Randal Kolo Muani has been unavailable for a comparable period to Solanke, though Frank received a significant boost when he managed to feature for 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.

Whilst all three previously mentioned players can and have operated as the main striker, Solanke is arguably Spurs’ favoured choice, and consequently, fans are likely keen for his comeback.

The 28-year-old has now provided some insight into what he has been up to as part of a social media message on Thursday. Alongside an Instagram post featuring several contrasting images, he wrote: “Positivity through the dark times.”

He’s been keeping himself busy in recent months, with photographs showing him visiting the United States, training at Hotspur Way and attending a Coldplay concert with James Maddison. The latter is also currently sidelined after rupturing his ACL during pre-season.

Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai have similarly been absent for extended periods through injury, whilst Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma have presented Frank with additional fitness concerns ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.

Davies hobbled off during Wales’ loss to Belgium, whilst Bissouma was carried off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious ankle problem just moments after entering the pitch for Mali.

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