Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Solanke won’t be available for the Champions League opener against Villarreal due to an ongoing ankle injury.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League campaign gets underway on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 8 pm BST against Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, the team will have to navigate this crucial match without striker Dominic Solanke, who is still sidelined with an ankle injury. 

Solanke sustained the injury during the win over Manchester City last month and has been out for most of pre-season and the early league matches. Despite his ongoing rehabilitation, Thomas Frank, the Spurs boss, remains optimistic about Solanke’s recovery progress. “Dom is taking steps in the right direction,” Frank noted, “but he’s not ready to be involved tomorrow.”

Given Solanke’s absence, Richarlison is expected to lead the line against Villarreal. Richarlison returned from international duty with Brazil and started on the bench against West Ham United.

Randal Kolo Muani, Tottenham’s new signing from Paris Saint-Germain, is available for selection and could make his debut against Villarreal. Frank confirmed that Kolo Muani is ready to play his part in the team’s Champions League opener. “Randal is ready,” Frank said. “He’s involved tomorrow, and that’s the main thing.”

Meanwhile, other key players like Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison are also out with long-term injuries. Dragusin was seen training separately with a fitness coach, indicating his ongoing rehabilitation process.