Tottenham injury update: Solanke, Simons and Romero all shape the run-in

Tottenham's survival push is being driven as much by availability as by form now. Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero are all on different timelines, and the picture looks messy enough to dominate the final stretch. Tottenham sit 17th with 38 points after 36 matches, which is the kind of table position that turns every injury update into a major event.

Solanke is the one with the clearest short-term chance

Solanke suffered a hamstring injury against Wolves and was hooked before half time. Roberto De Zerbi said, “About Solanke, he's improving very quickly. I don't know, for this game, I don't know if he can be available. We hope for the next game in Stamford Bridge.” The brief lists May 24 against Everton at home as a potential return date, but that is still only a possibility.

He has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, so even a return would come after a stop-start campaign. Tottenham do at least have some evidence that the injury is not being treated as a long-term absence, but the key word is still potential.

Xavi Simons is the opposite case. He ruptured his ACL shortly after scoring the winner away at Wolves, and he said, “My season has come to an abrupt end.” That is the hard end of the spectrum Tottenham are dealing with now, not a week-to-week issue.

Romero and Alderweireld pull the conversation beyond fitness

Romero's situation is more complicated again. De Zerbi said he did not know whether there is a chance for him to play one game or two before the season ends, and that he hoped he could still be available for the World Cup. The injury itself came from a collision with Antonin Kinsky in De Zerbi's first match, and Alderweireld's criticism has put the leadership angle in plain view.

Alderweireld said: “I think he's an unbelievable player, in moments. For example, with the red cards, you don't help your team. When your team needs you, you need to be the captain steering the ship, not putting it in more trouble.” He also said he would return if Spurs need help: “If Tottenham need help, I'm there, why not?”

That is a fair place to draw a line. Romero has made 23 Premier League appearances and his quality is not the issue, but the suspensions and the leadership debate have become part of the same story. Spurs are not just trying to get bodies back, they are trying to get the right bodies available at the right time.

The immediate test is whether Solanke can make the Everton date listed in the brief. Simons is already out, Romero remains uncertain, and Tottenham's run-in is being shaped by that injury list more than by any neat tactical fix.