Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson (8) tackles Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski during their Premier League match on December 1. — AFP

Tottenham Hotspur will utilize the mid-season transfer window to bolster their attacking options, according to manager Ange Postecoglou, who spoke ahead of his side's Premier League encounter away to Bournemouth. Former Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke is expected to be fit to face his former club on Thursday, having missed the draw with Fulham due to illness. However, Tottenham's forward line remains thin despite being the Premier League's top scorers. Brazil striker Richarlison is sidelined until the new year with a hamstring injury, while winger Wilson Odobert is also out long-term following surgery for a hamstring injury. Youngster Mikey Moore and first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are also unavailable, and center back Cristian Romero will miss Thursday's game, according to Postecoglou.

"Dom (Solanke) is scheduled to train today. He's still not 100% but he's much improved," Postecoglou, whose side is seventh in the standings, told reporters. "He's (Romero) due to have his final sessions with the rehab team today or tomorrow. We're hoping he's back in training by Friday, or at the latest early next week." Tottenham's resources are likely to be tested during a hectic month, with key games in the Premier League and Europa League, as well as a League Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United.

"With Richarlison, it's been frustrating because I see his potential, and when he's fit, he always makes an impact. That's what we hold onto, but there's no doubt we need some reinforcements in the attacking third over the next couple of transfer windows," Postecoglou said. "Dom's return has been great, but we can't overload him either, as performance will inevitably drop if his energy levels decline. So it's something we're aware of and need to plan for." After Bournemouth, Tottenham host Chelsea on Sunday and then travel to Rangers for a Europa League tie before an away clash at Southampton.

"It's a Thursday, Sunday cycle for us consistently," the Australian said. "They've all recovered well, no issues from (Fulham), and we're ready for a big game tomorrow." Consistency has been a challenge for Tottenham this season, with standout performances like the recent 4-0 win at Manchester City countered by disappointing defeats by struggling teams such as Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace. Postecoglou warned that 13th-placed Bournemouth pose a significant threat.

"A tough challenge, not just recently but from last year. They were really aggressive with their football, especially at their place. They've beaten Man City and Arsenal at home," he said. "They are one of those sides with a real consistency in performance and approach, so you know you're in for a battle."

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com