Thomas Frank all but confirms start for Tottenham's new star vs West Ham

International breaks typically slow down time, and the first of the 2025/26 season was no different.

In fact, the recent break was particularly painful for Tottenham supporters, given the business the club conducted late in the summer transfer window. Deals for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani were wrapped up in the final days and hours before the deadline, and we're yet to see either player feature in Lilywhite.

Simons was unveiled ahead of our 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the break, but he wasn't registered in time to play a part against the Cherries. Even in his chinos and suede loafers, the Dutchman surely would've offered more than Brennan Johnson down the left.

It would've been just our luck for Simons to pick up a knock on international duty, but our newest creative star avoided any fitness concerns and is ready to go this weekend. Thomas Frank has alread hinted at a potential start.

'Further down the line' Simons set for Tottenham start against West Ham

The boss was asked about his two new additions in his pre-match press conference on Friday, with reporters keen to know whether Simons and Kolo Muani would make their debuts at the London Stadium.

In response, the Dane was rather coy (via Lilywhite Rose on X): "Both are looking good. Both are in contention to be ready for the squad tomorrow."

Frank pointed out that Kolo Muani, who wasn’t in action for France during the break, hasn’t featured since the Club World Cup, given that Juventus failed to secure a permanent deal for his services. Simons, the manager said, "is further down the line", and I'd be stunned if the Dutchman didn't have a major role to play this weekend.

Our dearth of creativity came to the fore in the defeat to Bournemouth, and Simons' presence will be necessary to ensure we don't suffer from similar issues at the London Stadium. The Dutchman was back at Hotspur Way nice and early in the build-up to his likely debut, and his posts on social media point towards a star who simply cannot wait to make an impact.

There's less haste necessary with Kolo Muani, especially with our first Champions League fixture on the horizon. Frank confirmed that Dominic Solanke is still out of action, but Richarlison has been in good form to start the season, and his box-work could prove handy against a West Ham backline that have been vulnerable to crosses.