Early Tottenham team news vs Aston Villa: Three stars in line for return, four already ruled out
Tottenham could be set to receive a significant boost ahead of their clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Lilywhites will be hoping to continue their bright start to the Premier League season this weekend, after a two-week break since their last outing.
Several Tottenham stars have been away on international duty over the course of the last week, while others have remained in N17 as they continue to build their way back towards fitness.
Thomas Frank will be keen for his side to hit the ground running on their return to league action, and he could be boosted by the potential returns of up to three of his group.
Randal Kolo Muani among three who could return for Tottenham
Randal Kolo Muani’s arrival at Tottenham on deadline day prompted plenty of excitement from supporters, given his record in the top European leagues.
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The Frenchman had an extremely fruitful loan spell with Juventus last season, as he struck eight goals from just 13 starts in Serie A in the second half of the campaign.
The Lilywhites have had issues with Richarlison’s consistency yet again of late, and Kolo Muani’s eye-catching goal conversion of 31 per cent from that loan stint will be a welcome addition to the matchday squad.
He has played just 13 minutes for Spurs since his loan move from PSG was confirmed, but could now return this weekend, according to Premier Injuries, which is run by injury expert Ben Dinnery.
Richarlison has often been isolated at the top of the pitch, with Mathys Tel the only Spurs player who has played in over 50 per cent of the league games to average less than the Brazilian’s six accurate passes per game.
That will need to change if Kolo Muani is to have an immediate impact, but his likely return will at least provide another option to change the game from the bench.
Defenders Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai could also return to the matchday squad, with the pair both awaiting their first competitive outings of the season.
Dominic Solanke ruled out for Spurs vs Aston Villa
Dominic Solanke hasn’t played for Tottenham since the victory at Manchester City back in August, and although he had surgery on his ankle problem recently, he remains a significant way from a potential return.
The 28-year-old had the highest xG of any Spurs player last season, and his ability to sniff out chances inside the box is being sorely missed at the moment.
Solanke is not expected to return to action until the start of November, with long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison also joining him on the sidelines for the weekend’s clash with Villa.
Yves Bissouma suffered a serious injury on international duty with Mali, and looks set to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Kulusevski could potentially be nearing a return, but Frank and Co. remain without him for now.