Tottenham will again be without Dominic Solanke for today's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, despite the striker fuelling excitement midweek with a social-media post hinting at an imminent return. The 28-year-old, sidelined since August with an ankle injury, uploaded an image of himself playing football alongside hourglass emojis — but head coach Thomas Frank quickly dismissed suggestions of a comeback.
Solanke has resumed individual training, yet Frank insists no update will be given until the forward rejoins full first-team sessions. “When he is training fully with the team, that is when I will say something,” he told reporters, adding that he is “bored” of recurring questions on the striker’s timeline.
Spurs’ injury list remains significant. Destiny Udogie is out until January with a hamstring issue, leaving Djed Spence and Pedro Porro to shoulder a heavy festive workload. Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Takuhiro Takai also remain unavailable, while Frank continues to decline offering firm return dates.
Even so, Tottenham arrive at the City Ground on the back of improved form, following consecutive victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague without conceding. The clean sheets have steadied nerves, while Xavi Simons’ emergence — scoring his first two goals for the club — has given Frank fresh attacking impetus.
Spurs finding rhythm without Solanke
Frank is still shaping his ideal front line, but the developing chemistry between Simons and Mohammed Kudus offers a new creative axis. Brennan Johnson could rejoin the XI on the left after missing the midweek win, while João Palhinhais in contention to stiffen the midfield in what promises to be a physically intense match against Sean Dyche’s Forest.
Tottenham Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Simons, Johnson; Richarlison
Injured: Kulusevski, Solanke, Udogie, Maddison, Dragusin, Takai
Kick-off: 2pm GMT, Sunday 14 December 2025
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
How to watch: Sky Sports+
Solanke’s absence defines selection — but Spurs are adapting well
From our perspective covering Spurs this season, Frank deserves credit for establishing structure despite major injuries. Although some suggest Solanke’s absence is holding the side back, Tottenham’s fluidity in recent weeks challenges that narrative. It’s worth questioning whether rushing Solanke back would even be ideal; the team’s current balance appears healthier than early in the campaign.
The defensive situation, however, remains a concern. With Udogie out and Spence pressed into heavy service, Spurs risk fatigue-induced errors. Against a Forest side buoyed by returning players, maintaining width discipline will be crucial.
Midfield selection may well decide the match. Adding Palhinha could stabilise transitions, but the trade-off is reduced vertical speed — a call Frank must judge carefully.
Key Insights
- Solanke still weeks from full training despite teasing social-media post.
- Udogie out until January; Maddison & Kulusevski remain long-term absentees.
- Simons and Kudus forming an effective creative partnership.
- Spurs enter the match with back-to-back clean sheets.
What’s Next
Spurs face a defining festive stretch, with Solanke not expected back until late December at the earliest. Frank’s challenge will be balancing momentum with squad management as the fixtures tighten and key attackers continue to rehab.
👉 Spurs fans — should Richarlison keep the No.9 role until Solanke returns?
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