Brighton vs Spurs: Frank Provides Injury and Team News

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has confirmed striker Dominic Solanke will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old has not featured since coming off the bench against Manchester City on 23 August, with the problem disrupting much of his pre-season and ruling him out of the last three matches. Solanke returned to light training on grass this week but remains short of full fitness.

Frank on Solanke’s recovery

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank struck a cautiously positive tone:

“The positive thing is that he's back on the grass, he's been there for three, four days and progressing forward, slowly, but forward. It’s too early for Brighton, too early for Doncaster, but the positive is that he’s on the grass and pushing forward.”

Solanke has managed just 31 minutes of league football this season across two substitute appearances, plus a cameo in the UEFA Super Cup defeat to PSG.

Thomas Frank with an injury update on Dom Solanke 🗣️

All the latest from his press conference ⤵️

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 19, 2025

Alternatives in attack

In Solanke's absence, Richarlison has led the line impressively, scoring twice on the opening weekend against Burnley and continuing to impress with his all-round play.

Mathys Tel has also featured up front, starting in the 3-0 win away at West Ham last weekend, while summer signing Randal Kolo Muani is now an option after joining on loan from PSG. The Frenchman made his debut in Tuesday night’s Champions League victory over Villarreal and could be handed more minutes at the Amex.

Other fitness news

Frank also delivered an update on summer recruit Kota Takai. The defender, signed from Kawasaki Frontale, missed pre-season with a plantar fascia injury but is edging closer to involvement.

“He is very close to training with the group. I’m pretty sure he’ll join in on Monday,” Frank said.

Radu Dragusin is back in team training but not yet ready for match action, while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain long-term absentees with knee injuries.

There was better news this week for Destiny Udogie, who featured in midweek against Villarreal after recovering from the injury that kept him out since July.

Brighton revenge on Spurs’ minds

Spurs will be eager to avenge last season’s 3-2 defeat at the Amex, when they squandered a 2-0 half-time lead in one of their most frustrating results of the season.

While they'll have to do so without Solanke and other key players, Frank will be hoping Spurs can continue their impressive start to the season that has seen them pick up four wins and four clean sheets in five games.