Dominic Solanke was back on the pitch against Fulham in the Premier League after missing some more action with a throat issue, and after another poor performance by both him and the team, Solanke needs to bounce back against Crystal Palace in another London derby this Thursday. And he is in store for a real boost, as Palace star center back Maxence Lacroix is unavailable.
Facing Crystal Palace is already easier for Tottenham now than it was before when they slogged their way to a 1-0 win a the end of December. Marc Guehi, Palace's best player, was sold to title contenders Manchester City, leaving Lacroix as the main star and CB1 for the Eagles.
Now, though, Lacroix is out of commision, too. After scoring the opener against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, Lacroix got himself red carded in yet another show of indiscipline, thus leading Palace to blow the game 2-1 to Michael Carrick's resurgent Red Devils - and, worse yet, dooming him for the next Premier League encounter with local rivals Spurs.
Maxence Lacroix is out for Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace
From a Tottenham perspective, Lacroix being bounced out of the match is a huge deal. Spurs feel like they are worse off now than they were in late December when they scrapped an almost undeserving victory off a spiraling Palace, and that win remains their only in the last 10 since they have earned just 4 points of their last 30 available in the Premier League.
These latest losses to Arsenal and Fulham have pushed Spurs further down into the threat of relegation, so Thursday's battle with Palace is a must win. And with Lacroix out suspended, it is an even better opportunity for Tottenham to get the three points they need.
Solanke has been crucial to Tottenham since returning from a lengthy, tricky foot injury, memorably dominating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Although Richarlisons moxie and fight will be important in the relegation battle, he is, in an ideal world, a backup option as a spark with Solanke the unquestioned starting No. 9 due to his all around skill set.
Not having to face Palace's top center back is the boost Solanke needed to get back on form after slowing his momentum with a throat issue. Solanke still ned to prove to Spurs that he is even remotely worth the 65 million pound price tag spent on him from Bournemouth in 2024, and now Palace is an opportune venue for him to prove himself.