Tottenham Hotspur injury latest: Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski and more | OneFootball

Tottenham Injury News: Dominic Solanke Return Timeline Offers January Boost

Tottenham head into the heart of the winter schedule still wrestling with availability issues, but there is cautious optimism emerging from Hotspur Way. While suspensions and long-term absentees continue to stretch Thomas Frank’s options, the injury news around Dominic Solanke provides a rare shaft of light as Spurs attempt to stabilise their campaign.

This is not a full clean bill of health by any means. However, with January approaching and several players edging closer to returns, Tottenham’s medical room is beginning to look marginally less crowded. Solanke’s progress, in particular, is being closely monitored inside the club.

Dominic Solanke recovery gathers pace

Dominic Solanke’s absence has been one of the quieter but more significant strands of Tottenham’s injury narrative this season. The striker has not featured since the end of August after struggling with a persistent ankle problem, an issue that ultimately required surgery in October.

There were concerns internally that his rehabilitation was taking longer than anticipated, but recent developments have eased those fears. Solanke has stepped up his recovery work and is now regarded as progressing positively, with club staff encouraged by how his body has responded in recent weeks.

Frank has indicated privately and publicly that Solanke is edging closer to being included in a matchday squad. While no unnecessary risks will be taken, the sense is that his return is no longer speculative but expected, provided there are no setbacks in training.

A January comeback is increasingly realistic, which would give Tottenham a timely attacking option during a congested period of fixtures. Solanke’s mobility and work rate are qualities Spurs have lacked during his absence, particularly when rotation has been limited.

Wider Tottenham injury picture

Solanke’s progress sits within a broader injury context that remains challenging for Tottenham. Destiny Udogie is sidelined with a hamstring issue and is not expected back until January, restricting options at full-back during a demanding festive run.

Dejan Kulusevski is another player nearing a return. The Swedish international has been recovering from a patella injury sustained late last season and has already returned to grass work. While early hopes of a pre-Christmas comeback have faded, there is still optimism that he could feature early in the new year if training loads are managed carefully.

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Further down the depth chart, Kota Takai continues to work his way back after limited involvement since arriving in the summer. His pathway appears more gradual, with minutes coming at development level rather than immediate first-team reintegration.

James Maddison, meanwhile, remains a long-term absentee after suffering a serious knee injury in pre-season. His recovery is being handled conservatively, with expectations firmly set on a return closer to the start of the 2026 campaign rather than this season.

January planning influenced by fitness updates

Tottenham’s injury news will inevitably shape their January strategy. Internally, there is awareness that returning players such as Solanke and Kulusevski could reduce the urgency for short-term reinforcements, particularly in attacking areas.

However, availability rather than reputation has become the driving factor in squad planning. Spurs have dropped points in matches where fatigue and limited rotation have been evident, underlining the importance of getting bodies back rather than simply names on a team sheet.

Solanke’s return would not only add depth but also tactical flexibility. His ability to lead the line, link play and press from the front aligns closely with what Frank wants from his forward players. That makes his recovery arguably as important as any potential January signing.

Outlook for Tottenham heading into the new year

Tottenham’s season remains delicately balanced. Suspensions have complicated matters in recent weeks, but injury news is slowly turning more positive. The club are not rushing players back, mindful of the longer-term risks, yet there is belief that January will look markedly different in terms of squad availability.

Solanke is central to that optimism. His rehabilitation has reached a phase where timelines are clearer, confidence is higher and planning can be more precise. If he returns as expected, Tottenham will gain a forward who offers reliability as much as quality, something that has been in short supply.

For now, Spurs continue to manage minutes and workloads carefully. But with Solanke’s return edging closer and several others following behind him, Tottenham may finally be approaching a period where injury news begins to work in their favour rather than against them.