Dominic Solanke return gives Tottenham hope after injury nightmare

Dominic Solanke’s long-awaited return is giving Tottenham Hotspur a rare lift, with the striker’s fitness offering Thomas Frank a solution to an attacking problem that has plagued Spurs throughout an injury-hit season.

There could hardly have been a more warmly received moment than Solanke bundling in Tottenham’s second goal against Borussia Dortmund. The finish itself was scruffy, forcing home Wilson Odobert’s cross, but after seven months sidelined, style was irrelevant. For Frank, it represented something far more important: a functioning focal point in attack.

Tottenham have looked disjointed in the final third for much of the campaign, and Solanke’s presence immediately changes the dynamic. Even short of sharpness, he provides structure — occupying defenders, contesting loose balls and allowing others to play off him.

That was evident again in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley. Solanke missed a presentable chance, a reminder that match rhythm is still coming, but his contribution off the ball stood out. Only Cristian Romero completed more tackles than the striker, underlining the selfless edge Frank has been demanding.

Speaking after the Burnley match, Frank admitted he needed more from his attacking players after centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Romero once again found themselves rescuing points.

The numbers paint a concerning picture. Only Richarlison has scored more goals than Van de Ven and Romero this season, and with the Brazilian now sidelined by a hamstring injury, responsibility shifts almost entirely onto Solanke’s shoulders.

Frank has previously questioned whether Richarlison is best suited to leading the line. While the Brazilian works tirelessly, he has often looked uncomfortable as the central reference point. Solanke, by contrast, is a natural figurehead — someone Spurs’ wide players and midfield runners instinctively look for.

Having followed Tottenham closely this season, the difference in cohesion with Solanke on the pitch has been noticeable, even when he is not at full capacity.

The timing of Solanke’s return could hardly be more important. Tottenham travel to Eintracht Frankfurt tonight knowing that victory will secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

It is familiar territory for the striker. Solanke scored the decisive penalty at Deutsche Bank Park last season as Spurs booked a Europa League semi-final spot, part of a debut campaign that yielded 16 goals in all competitions.

Now, in what has been a deeply frustrating World Cup year for the former Bournemouth forward, he is being asked to lead again — this time under very different circumstances.

Solanke has been candid about the mental toll of his recurring ankle injury. He had expected to feature early in pre-season, even believing he would be ready by Tottenham’s second match on their Asia tour last summer.

Instead, his first start did not arrive until January, against Dortmund. Across the season, he has managed just 244 minutes in all competitions.

Frank has repeatedly referenced an injury “curse” at the club, with as many as nine senior players sidelined at times. Among all those absences, Solanke’s has arguably been the most damaging.

Frank’s approach relies heavily on collective pressing and link-up play from the central striker. Solanke’s willingness to drop, contest and create space aligns naturally with that model, far more than Spurs’ alternative options. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions given his limited minutes so far. Sustained fitness will be the true test of whether Solanke can genuinely transform Tottenham’s attack.

Solanke is expected to start again against Eintracht Frankfurt, marking his third start in just over a week. Tottenham know that qualification would not only ease pressure on Frank but also allow the striker to rebuild rhythm without the constant edge of crisis. Much will depend on how Solanke copes physically with the workload, but Spurs’ hopes of momentum now rest firmly on his shoulders.

Is Dominic Solanke the missing piece Tottenham have been waiting for, or are Spurs placing too much pressure on one returning player?