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Pundit disagrees with what he’s heard about Dominic Solanke ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Newcastle
You have to feel for Dominic Solanke after he sustained an ankle injury one game into his Tottenham Hotspur career following his move in the summer.
There were big questions over Dominic Solanke when Spurs decided to sign him from Bournemouth earlier in the transfer window. Jamie Carragher was amongst those who questioned the fee Tottenham spent to sign Solanke.
The England international had been prolific in two of his final three years with the Cherries, with 19 goals in the Premier League last year, but there was still some doubt over whether he was going to be able to take that form to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Solanke was bright without scoring on his Tottenham debut, but he then sustained an ankle injury ahead of the home clash with Everton at the weekend. Ange Postecoglou suggested that he was hopeful to have Solanke back to face Newcastle.
Question over whether Dominic Solanke should start for Tottenham upon his return
In his absence, Spurs were scintillating as they beat Everton 4-0. Heung-min Son scored twice while Wilson Odobert made his own debut.
That performance prompted Jay Bothroyd to tell that he would pick the same attack at Newcastle even if Solanke is fit, but that was met with disagreement from Mark Schwarzer.
“I’m not so sure; I think if Dominic Solanke’s fit to play next week, I think he would play him,” he said.
“I think he’ll want him in the team as quickly as possible to play alongside Son who’s in unbelievable form. You want him to play off the two, to build an understanding, you want them to create that relationship and hopefully help Dominic Solanke score goals, and who better than someone like Son who’s a provider and a goalscorer himself.”
Striker’s record against Newcastle will leave Ange Postecoglou with food for thought
Of course, Postecoglou is likely to make his selection decision based on Solanke’s fitness as he will surely not take a gamble if there is a reasonable chance of the 26-year-old sustaining a more serious problem.
But Tottenham’s recent record at St James’ Park, coupled with Solanke’s own tally against the Magpies perhaps shows the boost it would be if he is back in time.
Obviously, Spurs fans need little reminder of their last two results on Tyneside, with 10 goals conceded across those two fixtures – one of which came before Postecoglou’s arrival.
But interestingly, Solanke has scored three goals and contributed two assists in nine games against Newcastle during his career. Nottingham Forest and Fulham are the only current Premier League sides Solanke has scored more goals against than the Magpies.
It would certainly represent a start on Solanke paying back his transfer fee if he could return and score on Sunday.