Ange Postecoglou reveals what actually happened to Dominic Solanke before Tottenham vs Fulham.
Dominic Solanke was unavailable for Tottenham’s game against Fulham.
Spurs have had a number of issues with player availability this campaign. Injuries have been really cruel to them, and things got worse in the London derby against Marco Silva’s side.
Solanke, who is one of the first names on the team sheet, was nowhere to be seen when the lineups were announced. Tottenham said that he was out due to illness.
Ange Postecoglou has now revealed what happened on the day of the game.
What actually happened to Dominic Solanke before Tottenham faced Fulham
Solanke trained normally on Saturday ahead of the game against Fulham on Sunday.
Postecoglou had already decided on his team and the striker was set to start. However, there was an unexpected twist on the day of the game.
The Tottenham boss has revealed that Solanke actually came in to join the squad on Sunday, but he was ill. The striker apparently wanted to play, but one look at him confirmed it wouldn’t have been possible.
Postecoglou has claimed that Solanke was so ill that he was even struggling to get out of his car. He was never going to be able to play in that condition, so Tottenham sent him home.
Speaking ahead of the game against Bournemouth, the Australian said, as per Football London: “I’m hoping that extra percentage comes from just him getting back.
“He wanted to play at the weekend too but he couldn’t get out of his car let alone run around the pitch.”
Tottenham take on Bournemouth on Thursday night, and there is a chance Solanke will be fit to play a part against his old club.
Postecoglou said about his fitness on Wednesday: “Dom’s due to train today, he’s still not 100 per cent but he’s definitely improved from the weekend, so we’ll see how he goes through training today.”
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during a UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training C…
Photo by Jaimi Joy/Getty Images
Postecoglou drops new striker hint ahead of January window
Tottenham decided against signing an out-and-out striker to replace Harry Kane in 2023, and they only brought in Solanke in this summer’s transfer window.
Spurs have left themselves short in that area of the pitch, and Richarlison’s injury issues combined with Heung-min Son’s drop in form have affected them.
Tottenham could do with a new man up top in January, and Postecoglou has all but confirmed that Spurs will think about strengthening that area of their pitch in 2025.
He said, as per Football London: “There’s no doubt we need some bolstering in that front third over the next couple of transfer windows.
“Dom coming in has been great, but again we can’t overload him either, because ultimately, you know, even if he stays fit and nothing happens, performance will invariably drop if his energy levels drop.
“So it’s something we’re aware of and need to plan for.”
