Dominic Solanke's ankle injury has seen the striker play a limited role at the start of Thomas Frank's tenure, and his return from the nagging issue is not yet imminent.
While Frank was keen to play down the severity of the problem, the Dane has now confirmed that Solanke has undergone minor surgery.
The former Bournemouth star has been dealing with the injury since the start of pre-season. He only played a bit-part role in the summer, meaning he only appeared off the bench in the first three competitive fixtures of Frank's tenure against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley and Manchester City.
Solanke had enjoyed an up-and-down debut season in north London, scoring 16 times in all competitions. He wasn't exactly prolific, but the tactical function he performed for Ange wasn't predicated on goalscoring, and he surely would've been Frank's first-choice centre-forward at the start of 2025/26 if it wasn't for his ankle issue.
Dominic Solanke undergoes ankle surgery – return date unknown
Tottenham's medical team certainly hasn't covered itself in glory in recent years, with fitness setbacks plaguing Ange's tenure. There have been plenty of changes in that department since 2023, and more have been overseen since Frank's arrival.
However, frustration is simmering among supporters again, with Solanke wasting a month of the sidelines before it was deemed necessary to undergo what Frank has described as "minor surgery".
"Dom we know got that ankle issue that's been bothering him for a little while. Decided to have minor surgery. Small procedure. More news about time frame after the international break," the boss said in his pre-match press conference for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Bodø/Glimt.
Frank doesn't believe the striker will be out for much longer, but that has been his stance for the past however many weeks.
With Mathys Tel missing from the Champions League squad, Richarlison is poised to lead Spurs' line in the Arctic Circle, having struggled in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Wolves. Frank is still without Randal Kolo Muani, although the Dane has said the loan signing is finally "on top" of his ’dead leg' that has kept him out for the past two weeks.
Significantly, Cristian Romero hasn't travelled to Norway after missing training on Monday. Frank has played down the news, which undoubtedly means we won't be seeing our captain until the new year.
On a brighter note, that does mean plenty of Kevin Danso missiles.