Dominic Solanke is set to train ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Bournemouth on Thursday but Ange Postecoglou says the striker is “still not 100 per cent”.
The 27-year-old missed Sunday’s draw with Fulham due to illness, and Postecoglou says he is making progress.
Spurs will continue to be without defender Cristian Romero due to a foot injury which has sidelined him for his side’s last three matches, but he could return to full training by the end of the week.
“Everyone from the weekend got through okay,” Postecoglou said. “Archie (Gray) got a bit of a knock but he has recovered well.
“Dom is due to train today so he is still not 100 per cent but he has definitely improved from the weekend. The other injured guys are inching closer but not available.”
On Romero, Postecoglou added: “He’s due to have his last session or last couple of sessions with the rehab guys, today and tomorrow. So we’re kind of hoping that (he’ll be) back into training, potentially by Friday. At the very latest early next week, if everything goes well.”
Solanke was sent home the morning of the Fulham match following illness, with Son Heung-min leading the line in his absence, as Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw.
The £65million summer signing from Bournemouth has scored six goals in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Spurs have been without fellow forward Richarlison since November due to a “significant” hamstring injury, Wilson Odobert is also a long-term absentee after undergoing hamstring surgery and Mikey Moore remains out through illness.
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Postecoglou said the injuries demonstrated the need for the club to strengthen the forward line in the coming transfer windows.
“There is no doubt because when you add Wilson to that, even Mikey, we had Dom out on the weekend, you hope that alleviates. With Wilson it’s long-term, hopefully Mikey by the turn of year will be back as well, but he’s 17.
“With Richy it has been frustrating because I see the potential in him and to be fair when he’s been fit he’s always made an impact, for me anyway. I think back to the start of last year and when he came back into the team during the year he went on a scoring run. Even the little games he’s played this year, he’s made an impact.
“But there’s no doubt we need some bolstering in that front third over the next couple of transfer windows. Dom coming in has been great, but again we can’t overload him either, because ultimately, you know, even if he stays fit and nothing happens, performance will invariably drop if his energy levels drop. So it’s something we’re aware of and need to plan for.”
Following Thursday’s trip to Bournemouth, Spurs face Chelsea on Sunday.
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