Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has provided an encouraging update on Dominic Solanke's fitness, suggesting the striker is edging closer to a first start of the season as Spurs continue to search for their attacking spark.
Solanke, 28, spent much of last season battling a recurring ankle problem that limited his involvement and ultimately kept him out of Tottenham's final four matches, including the campaign's decider in which the club secured its Premier League status. Despite hopes that a complete pre-season would restore him to full fitness, the club's medical staff, working alongside De Zerbi, opted for caution given his injury history and the physical toll of jet lag following international commitments. As a result, the former Bournemouth forward has managed only 114 minutes of action across all competitions so far this term.
That caution comes at a cost for a Tottenham side that has yet to find the net in three Premier League outings this season. Speaking ahead of Saturday's home game against Everton, De Zerbi indicated that Solanke could feature from the opening whistle either in that fixture or in the Carabao Cup third-round clash with Liverpool the following Tuesday.
"I think he is close. He's a crucial player for us, Dom Solanke. For the characteristics, personality, level of the player," De Zerbi said. "He's very close after two times on the bench - Newcastle and Nottingham - he could start the game. Or, anyway, Tuesday, he can start the game."
While Tottenham remain without a Premier League win this season, De Zerbi believes his team's performances have not reflected their results, pointing instead to a lack of cutting edge in the final third. That issue was evident in a goalless stalemate against Nottingham Forest last time out, a match in which Spurs struggled to create clear openings.
Adding to the club's attacking concerns is the farewell to Brennan Johnson, who was their leading scorer during the 2024/25 campaign before his January move to Crystal Palace. Johnson is set to line up for Everton against his former club this weekend. Tottenham are also working to finalize a departure for last season's top scorer, Richarlison, with Brazilian outfit Vasco Da Gama reportedly showing genuine interest in signing him.
Despite the exodus of proven goal-scorers, De Zerbi does not view the situation as alarming, noting that the club has weathered similar departures in the past, including those of Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane. Instead, he is placing faith in the depth and potential of his current squad to fill the void.
"Solanke didn't play many games. I hope Solanke can be available this season more than last season. Marmoush didn't play for Tottenham last season," De Zerbi said. "Savio didn't play last season for Tottenham. And then all players they have to... Mathys Tel has to improve. Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Now he is 22 years (old) and he has to push, to show.
"Because the level of football is you show who you are and what you can do, or you lose the level. I think we can score goals with this squad, but we have to see."
With Solanke potentially returning to the starting lineup in the coming days, De Zerbi will be hoping the striker can provide the spark needed to end Tottenham's goal drought and kickstart their season, whether against Everton this weekend or in the cup tie against Liverpool that follows.
Based on reporting from standard-football.