Thursday evening proved to be a disaster following Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of sixteen clash, which gives the North Londoners an uphill task in the second leg to book their place in the next round and keep their trophy hopes alive.
Lucas Bergvall’s first-half own goal proved to be the difference, however AZ had chances to go further ahead including through former Spur, Troy Parrott.
It was a lacklustre display from the visitors who failed to get going into the match leaving Ange Postecoglou to explain the poor performance of his players following the final whistle.
Dominic Solanke suffered an injury against AZ Alkmaar
With Tottenham chasing an equaliser, manager Ange Postecoglou threw on Dominic Solanke in the 72nd minute for his first taste of football after seven weeks out with a knee injury suffered in training
A floating cross from Brennan Johnson saw Solanke jump for the ball and collide with AZ keeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro mid-air and fell to the pitch clutching his side, leaving him unable to continue.
It was a cruel blow for the England international, who had only come off Tottenham’s injury list and was looking to build up his match fitness.
With his former side Bournemouth the visitors to North London on Sunday, Solanke will be keen not to miss any further matches having been an ever-present for the Cherries last season prior to his £55million transfer to Tottenham in August 2024.
Uncertainty over whether Solanke is fit to face Bournemouth
Postecoglou was asked for an update on Solanke and his prospects of facing Bournemouth this weekend.
The Australian told Football.London: “No, too early to tell. Dom has a knee in the backside. It’s sore.”
Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended for the second leg against AZ Alkmaar as a result of a booking, but remains available for the visit of Bournemouth to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.
