Dominic Solanke injury – Tottenham Hotspur’s acquisition of Dominic Solanke has been met with excitement, not only among Spurs supporters but also within the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) community. The former Bournemouth forward made a significant £55 million move to North London following a standout season on the south coast, where he became a fan favorite in FPL circles. His consistency and impressive points tally during the 2023/24 campaign set him apart from many other strikers.
As Solanke transitions to a stronger team at Tottenham, expectations are high that he can elevate his game even further. His reasonable price tag in FPL makes him an attractive option for managers looking for a reliable forward. However, a lingering question remains: Will Solanke be ready to make his Spurs debut in Gameweek 1 after a recent injury scare?
Dominic Solanke Injury: What We Know
Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham with a minor foot injury sustained during a pre-season friendly while playing for Bournemouth. This injury has raised concerns about whether he will be fit for Spurs’ Premier League opener against Leicester City on Monday, 19 August.
Solanke’s injury occurred when an opponent stamped on his foot during a match against Rayo Vallecano, which Bournemouth won 1-0 on 5 August. Despite this setback, Tottenham’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, has provided a reassuring update on Solanke’s condition.
Postecoglou’s Update on Solanke’s Fitness
Ange Postecoglou, eager to integrate his new signing into the squad, has indicated that Solanke should be fit to feature in Gameweek 1 despite the foot injury. Speaking to the media, Postecoglou expressed optimism about Solanke’s availability for the Leicester City match.
“Yeah, I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be [fit for GW1],” Postecoglou stated. “He’s played most of the pre-season. Slight knock in the last game Bournemouth played, but, of course, we’ll have a look at him during the week. But I think that considering he’s done most of pre-season, I see no reason why he wouldn’t be available.”
Postecoglou also highlighted the attributes that made Solanke an attractive target for Tottenham. He emphasized the striker’s ability to fill gaps in the team’s attacking lineup, particularly in situations where Richarlison was unavailable during the previous season.
“We identified him because he has the attributes we are looking for in terms of that position,” Postecoglou added. “He gives us some things we probably have been missing in the last 12 months, particularly when Richy [Richarlison] was out last year. When Richy played he was very effective for us, but it was quite evident when he was out we didn’t really have a player who can make the impact that I know Dom can in the final third and just with his general play. So I think he will be a good fit for us.”
Also Read – Report confirms Tottenham have held talks with two-time UCL winner regarding a move
Fantasy Premier League Implications: Is Solanke Worth the Risk?
For FPL managers, Postecoglou’s encouraging words are a relief. Solanke’s £7.5 million price tag makes him an appealing option for Gameweek 1, especially with the potential for a strong start to the season. However, some managers may still be hesitant due to the recent injury news.
If you’re considering Solanke for your FPL squad but remain uncertain about his fitness, there are several viable alternatives to consider.
Alternatives to Dominic Solanke in FPL Gameweek 1
- Alexander Isak (£8.5m) – Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is a solid alternative if you have the budget to spare. The Swedish striker has been in fine form during pre-season and starts the campaign with a home fixture against newly-promoted Southampton. Isak’s attacking potential and Newcastle’s favorable early fixtures make him a top choice.
- Ollie Watkins (£9m) – Another premium option is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Watkins had a strong 2023/24 season and will be looking to build on that under Unai Emery. While his price is slightly higher, his consistency and goal-scoring ability make him a worthy investment.
- Ivan Toney (£7.5m) – Despite Igor Thiago’s injury, Brentford’s Ivan Toney remains a smart pick at the same price as Solanke. Brentford’s early fixtures are favorable, with home games against Crystal Palace and Southampton in their opening three matches. Toney’s physical presence and penalty-taking duties add to his appeal.
- Gabriel Jesus (£7m) – Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus offers excellent value at £7 million. With a starting price lower than many other forwards, Jesus could be a bargain, especially with Arsenal’s promising fixtures early in the season.
- Niclas Fullkrug (£7m) – West Ham United’s Niclas Fullkrug is another intriguing option in the same price range as Solanke. Fullkrug has shown glimpses of his potential, and with West Ham’s mixed fixtures, he could be a differential pick for managers looking to take a calculated risk.
Budget-Friendly FPL Forward Options
If you’re looking to save some funds while still securing a reliable forward, consider these two standout options at a lower price bracket:
- Rodrigo Muniz (£6m) – Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz offers excellent value at £6 million. Despite starting the season away at Manchester United, Fulham has a relatively favorable run of fixtures early on, making Muniz a strong candidate for those seeking a budget striker.
- Joao Pedro (£5.5m) – Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is a budget-friendly option priced at £5.5 million. With Evan Ferguson’s injury, Pedro is likely to see more playing time, and Brighton’s attacking style could provide him with plenty of opportunities to score.
Final Thoughts: Solanke’s Potential Impact at Spurs and in FPL
Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham Hotspur represents a significant step in his career, and it has implications both for Spurs’ ambitions and for FPL managers seeking a reliable forward. His minor foot injury has raised some concerns, but Ange Postecoglou’s positive update suggests that Solanke should be ready to make his debut in Gameweek 1.
For FPL managers, Solanke’s reasonable price tag and potential to thrive in a stronger team make him an attractive option. However, with alternatives like Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney available, there are plenty of options to consider if you’re hesitant about Solanke’s fitness.
Ultimately, Solanke’s success at Tottenham will depend on his ability to adapt to Postecoglou’s system and stay injury-free. If he can replicate the form he showed at Bournemouth, Solanke could become a key player for Dominic Solanke injury and a valuable asset in FPL. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Tottenham’s new signing to see if he can make an immediate impact and justify the hype surrounding his arrival.