Tottenham’s misjudgement of Dominic Solanke’s injury has left Thomas Frank without the use of Mathys Tel in the Champions League.
Tel was left out of Tottenham’s 25-man squad for the Champions League, as the head coach was told that Solanke’s injury wasn’t serious.
Tottenham were beaten 5-3 by PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday, but are still in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, Frank will most likely still be without Solanke for crucial upcoming games, which leaves him a man short for the players he can use in the competition.
The depth of this saga, which includes Tel and Solanke, makes the situation even more embarrassing for the Lilywhites.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Tottenham said Dominic Solanke’s injury was ‘minor’
Tel has started to show his worth for Tottenham, and in a time where Frank needs all the attackers he can get, he’s been let down by the medical staff.
Solanke may return to training in the coming weeks, but it’s going to take time for the striker to get up to speed.
Tel has only started three times in the league this season, but still boasts a 73 per cent pass completion and is a clear threat going forward, considering the substitute appearances he’s had.
Solanke, who completes 69 per cent of his passes, was ruled out of Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Luton Town in July through an ankle injury, which was described by the club as “minor”.
That’s the same ankle that he has now had an operation on, which has left him nowhere sidelined for practically the entire season so far.
Thankfully for Spurs, there is a chance for them to shuffle things around at the next point of registration.
Tottenham can re-register after January transfer window
Usually, in early February, clubs are given a chance to resubmit a registration of their Champions League squad following the conclusion of the January transfer window.
Tottenham should have the chance to add Tel to the mix in February after the window closes, with potential departures also likely to make space for the Frenchman.
Tottenham’s next three Champions League fixtures:
It will give the Lilywhites a chance to register Dejan Kulusevski, who is injured at the moment, and any new signings that Frank deems good enough to make his final squad.
As for now, Tottenham will be without Tel for some more Champions League games with Solanke’s return up in the air.