Richarlison must step up after Tottenham suffer Solanke injury blow | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke is out with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. (h/t The Telegraph)

Spurs have been handed another major blow in their battle to avoid relegation at the end of the season.

Solanke limped off as Tottenham claimed a crucial win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday after lasting just 40 minutes.

Scans later revealed a hamstring tear, with the England international now facing between three and eight weeks on the sidelines.

While Spurs are unlikely to confirm that his campaign is over, the timing of the injury means Roberto De Zerbi is expected to be without one of his key attacking players.

It caps off a frustrating campaign for Solanke, who has struggled with injuries throughout the year.

The Tottenham centre-forward had only recently returned from a lengthy ankle problem and has managed just 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

The injury could also have major consequences internationally.

Solanke had been competing to establish himself as Harry Kane’s understudy for England ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

However, with the tournament now just weeks away, his chances of making the squad have suffered a significant setback.

Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons also suffered a devastating ACL injury in the same game and is now expected to miss action until 2027.

Spurs captain Cristian Romero is also out for the rest of the season, while Mohammed Kudus, Guglielmo Vicario and Dejan Kulusevski remain unavailable.

Despite their victory at Wolves, Spurs remain firmly embroiled in the relegation battle. Now, the spotlight turns to Richarlison.

The Brazil international (54 caps) has delivered a disappointing return of 10 goals and five assists in 39 appearances this season.

But Tottenham can no longer afford inconsistency from one of their senior forwards.

With Solanke unavailable and injuries piling up across the squad, Richarlison has to step up over these final four league games.

Richarlison has the experience, aggression and personality to lead from the front.

If Spurs are to avoid an unthinkable relegation, they need him to deliver when it matters most.