Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has not ruled striker Dominic Solanke out for the visit of Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday (2pm GMT).
Former Cherries top scorer Solanke lasted 20 minutes as a late substitute before limping off in Spurs’ 1-0 Europa League defeat at Alkmaar on Thursday.
“I think he got a knee into the back, so it’s probably a bit sore,” said Postecoglou. “It’s a knock, so hopefully it settles down pretty quickly.”
Dominic Solanke was taken off injured after making his first appearance since mid-January 😔
More problems for Tottenham. pic.twitter.com/JB7nUzDroS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
Tottenham injuries: Van de Ven, Romero ‘in mix’
Ben Davies has “progressed” and has “a chance” of returning from injury as Tottenham target an end to their two-match losing run, Postecoglou added.
Fellow defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero remained unused substitutes against the Dutch side in a late decision by Postecoglou.
“When I saw the pitch, I decided I wasn’t going to risk them,” the Australian explained. “A couple of extra days’ training and they will be in the mix.”
Defender Radu Dragusin, attacker Dejan Kulusevski and forward Richarlison are among Postecoglou’s other absentees.
Alkmaar vs Tottenham
Spurs had one of the six attempts on target between the teams on their way to a first-leg defeat in the Europa League last 16 courtesy of Lucas Bergvall’s 18th-minute own goal, which Postecoglou called “a reflection of where we are”.
“The tie isn’t over and we can focus on it after the weekend’s game,” he said. “It’s tough playing away and the crowd made a tough atmosphere.
“As a collective, we were nowhere near the level we need to be. We definitely need another game to get the squad where we need to get to.
“The best way is to put it right at the weekend. It’s about consistency and performance, not about raising our worst level.
“There are different ways of tackling those challenges. At the bare minimum, we [must] compete and get the base line performances up.”
🚨Ange Postecoglou insisted a “tricky pitch” was partly to blame for Tottenham’s “disappointing performance” at AZ Alkmaar:
🗣️”It was a tricky pitch and we really did not handle it well. Aside from that, we just were not aggressive enough.”#THFC | #COYSpic.twitter.com/zpGhLZZflF
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) March 6, 2025
Tottenham vs Alkmaar
Seventh-placed Bournemouth are 10 points and six places above Spurs. “They’ve been really good, and they were last year,” observed Postecoglou.
“They have some really good players who are developing. We have a clear objective to play well.”
