Dominic Solanke is back training individually, but hopes of an eagerly anticipated return to action have been quelled by Thomas Frank ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Solanke has been out since August with a recurring ankle injury, and teased a return to fitness on social media, posting an image of himself playing football with the caption of two hourglasses.
Frank, who admitted he was bored of questions on Solanke’s continued absence, said when he was training fully with the team he would provide an update on the striker’s fitness.
"When he is training fully with the team, that is when I will say something,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.
Destiny Udogie, meanwhile, is out until January after suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle last week.
Udogie’s injury leaves Tottenham short of natural options at left-back, but the versatile Djed Spence has filled in comfortably and will likely retain his place in the side.
Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain long-term absentees, with Frank not offering a timeline for their return.
Spurs are enjoying something of a mini revival after back-to-back wins at home to Brentford and Slavia Prague.
Tottenham have scored five times without reply across the last two games to give Frank some breathing space, and a trip to lowly Nottingham Forest provides an opportunity to underline their credentials after two promising displays.
Xavi Simons has also begun to find some momentum after netting his first two goals in a Tottenham shirt.
The Dutch midfielder has been afforded time and space with Tottenham, comfortable victors against Brentford and Slavia Prague, but a trip to the City Ground will present a different challenge for Simons as he looks to nail down a starting berth in Frank’s attack.
Frank is still figuring out his best attacking combination, but with Simons and Mohammed Kudus showing an impressive understanding, the Dane has something to build around.
Johnson could return on the left wing after missing Tuesday’s win over Slavia Prague, while Joao Palhinha is an option in midfield, should Frank look to add stability in the centre of the park.
Tottenham predicted XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence, Bentancur, Palhinha, Kudus, Simons, Johnson, Richarlison
Injured: Kulusevski, Solanke, Udogie, Maddison, Dragusin, Takai
Suspended: Bissouma
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday, December 14, 2025
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
How to watch: Sky Sports+
