Tottenham dealt fresh Dominic Solanke injury blow hours before transfer deadline

Tottenham have been dealt a cruel setback just hours before the summer transfer window closes, with Dominic Solanke facing the prospect of a long spell on the sidelines.

Tottenham Hotspur are no stranger to injuries, as the club has endured a relentless crisis in recent months that has stretched the squad to its limits. Yet, they still managed to lift the Europa League trophy in May.

This season, however, the Europa League winners are still waiting to see a fully fit group available to new boss Thomas Frank, with Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai also among those who have missed spells of action.

Adding to the concerns, Dominic Solanke became the latest player to join the treatment table, having missed Tottenham’s clash with Bournemouth.

Tottenham suffer fresh Dominic Solanke injury update

What was initially feared to be a minor setback, with a possible return pencilled in for just after the international break, has now developed into something far more worrying.

Jake Sanders of The Sun has now provided an update on Solanke’s situation, and the news is far from encouraging for Tottenham.

According to the report, Solanke’s ankle injury is more severe than first believed, with the forward expected to be out for a significant spell rather than a short absence.

It is even thought that ankle surgery could be required for the striker, which would be a crushing blow for Spurs, who currently rely heavily on Richarlison as their only fully fit recognised centre-forward.

Thomas Frank downplays striker transfer chances

When asked about the possibility of Tottenham dipping into the transfer market for attacking cover, Thomas Frank was quick to play down such a scenario.

Speaking to the media, he explained that he does not see the need to bring in another striker at this stage: “No. I would say not particularly. To have the three strikers in the squad can also cause a problem as you can only play one at a time.

“It is a fine balance. I am not saying we will never go for another striker at another time, but I am happy with Dom and Richarlison.”

Frank also suggested before this latest update that Solanke could return after the international break, yet with the forward now expected to be sidelined for far longer, it will be interesting to see how Spurs handle the closing hours of the summer transfer window.

• READ MORE: Tottenham demand answer on £43m transfer in the next two hours, or they will move on