Roberto De Zerbi has said Dominic Solanke could start for the first time since April when Tottenham host Everton on Saturday evening, and he has challenged his forwards to raise their level.
Solanke has not started for Spurs since being withdrawn 40 minutes into the crucial 1-0 win away to Wolves last season with a hamstring injury. The 28-year-old, who spent much of last term nursing a recurring ankle problem, missed the final four games and watched from the bench as the club secured Premier League survival on the last day.
A full pre-season was expected to get Solanke fit for the start of this season, but the medical team, working with De Zerbi, were cautious about risking him due to jet lag concerns and his injury history. Spurs, who have revamped their medical setup under performance director Dan Lewindon, have been careful with players who have a patchy injury record like Solanke.
As a result, the former Bournemouth striker has played only 114 minutes in all competitions this season, while Spurs have failed to score in each of their first three league games.
Asked when Solanke would be ready to start, De Zerbi said the former England international could feature from the beginning against Everton or in the Carabao Cup third round against Liverpool on Tuesday.
“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,” De Zerbi said.
Spurs remain winless in the Premier League this season but have played better than their results suggest. The main issue for De Zerbi is attack, with no league goals and a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Spurs let Brennan Johnson, their top scorer in the 2024/25 season, join Crystal Palace in January, and the Welsh winger will line up for Everton on Saturday. They are also trying to negotiate an exit for last season’s top scorer Richarlison, with Brazilian side Vasco Da Gama showing serious interest.
De Zerbi is not worried about the number of goals Spurs have let leave the club, having also sold Heung Min-Son and Harry Kane in recent years.
“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,” De Zerbi continued. “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.”
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Source: www.standard.co.uk — Read the original article
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