The Dominic Solanke update Tottenham fans scarcely dared to dream about is finally becoming a reality.

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur have produced only a handful of genuinely encouraging displays across the 2025/26 Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Yet, even under Thomas Frank, Spurs can usually rely on familiar foes West Ham United to lift their spirits.

After already handing Spurs a huge boost by allowing Mohammed Kudus to join them – before the forward’s untimely injury – the Hammers were swept aside 3-0 in September. Now, with Spurs coming off another frustrating spell, capped by a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, this weekend’s second league meeting with West Ham feels crucial.

Kudus remains sidelined, but new arrival Conor Gallagher could feature for Frank. Even more significant is the potential return of a key striker. With Richarlison now injured for the first time this season, Tottenham may finally see Dominic Solanke take a major step back into action.

Signed for £65 million in the summer of 2024, Solanke did not quite justify his record price tag in his debut campaign. Still, he was a net positive, playing a decisive role in Spurs’ Europa League triumph with vital goals and all-round contributions. When fit, there is little doubt he is Tottenham’s best centre-forward and, in 2026, a superior option to Richarlison.

However, a stubborn foot injury has kept Solanke out for months. He has yet to start a match this season, making just three brief appearances. That changed slightly last weekend when he came off the bench for a cameo against Aston Villa.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Ham, Frank offered an encouraging update, strongly hinting that more minutes are on the way. Speaking via Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, he said:

“Destiny and Dom got a good week of training so are closer to playing more minutes.”

Frank has made similar remarks before, but delivering them just days before a major fixture carries far more weight. Randal Kolo Muani remains another gifted option up front, yet despite flashes of quality – including an impressive display against PSG – he has not fully claimed the role.

Solanke’s physical presence and complete forward play would be invaluable for Xavi Simons and Gallagher in midfield, as well as for wingers Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert. Spurs had largely written him off for this campaign, but if he can start against West Ham and build meaningful minutes, Tottenham may finally erase striker from their list of urgent needs.