Thomas Frank – Tottenham will have to make do without star striker Dominic Solanke when they launch their Champions League campaign against Villarreal on Tuesday night.
The England international has been nursing an ankle problem and has already sat out Spurs’ last two fixtures — a frustrating defeat to Bournemouth and a heavy loss to West Ham. While the injury is not considered serious, Solanke has yet to resume full training and will play no part in midweek.
Manager Thomas Frank, preparing for his first taste of Champions League football, admitted it was a blow but insisted the striker is moving in the right direction. “Dom is taking steps in the right direction, so that’s positive,” Frank told reporters. “But he’s not ready to be involved tomorrow.”
Solanke isn’t the only absentee. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are all sidelined, leaving Spurs short in several key areas. The good news, however, is that summer arrival Randal Kolo Muani is finally ready to feature.
The France international joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and was named on the bench against West Ham at the weekend but didn’t get on the pitch. Frank confirmed that he is now in line for his debut. “Randal Kolo Muani is ready,” the Dane said. “How many minutes? That depends, but the most important thing is he’s involved tomorrow.”
Kolo Muani’s versatility — he can play centrally or drift wide — could be a vital weapon for Spurs as they adjust to life without Solanke. Supporters will be eager to see whether he can hit the ground running under Frank, who has already overseen three wins from his first four Premier League games.
The clash with Villarreal also marks a personal milestone for the former Brentford boss, who has never managed in the Champions League before. “It’s a big thing, hugely looking forward to it,” he admitted. “Hearing the Champions League anthem, that will be the moment. From Griffin Park in the Championship to here, it’s a new experience in many ways.”
Villarreal head into the tie after an up-and-down start in La Liga — opening with two wins before being held by Celta Vigo and beaten by Atletico Madrid. Spurs, meanwhile, will be hoping to put their recent domestic stumbles behind them and start their European journey with a statement victory.
