Spurs to resort to January window amid injury crisis up front: Postecoglou

Having been dealt with an injury crisis up front, Ange Postecoglu admitted that Tottenham may have to resort to the transfer market in January to increase the depth of their forward options. The Australian manager counted the absences of Richarlison, Moore, Odobert and Solanke and had just three senior forwards available to him as Spurs drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday. 

Richarlison and Wilson Odobert face long-term spells on the sidelines due to hamstring injuries, while Mikey Moore is still recovering from a virus, which Postecoglou insists is “nothing serious” and “not long-term”. On the other hand, Solanke could be back in the squad for Spurs' clash at Bournemouth on Thursday night as Postecoglu said: "Dom's due to train today, he's still not 100 per cent but he's definitely improved from the weekend".

Injury woes have hindered the head coach throughout the season, and with the January window coming up, Postecoglou suggested the club will look to sign another forward. When asked if Tottenham needed more firepower upfront Postecoglou responded: "Yeah, there is no doubt because when you add Wilson to that, even Mikey... we had Dom out on the weekend, you kind of hope that alleviates although with Wilson it's long-term. Hopefully Mikey by the turn of the year will be back as well, but he's 17".

The Brazilian striker's ongoing fitness concerns also seem to be a reason for the north London side to look around themselves for options. "With Richy, it has been frustrating because I see the potential in him and to be fair when he's been fit he's always made an impact, for me anyway", Postecoglou said on Wednesday. "I think back to the start of last year and when he came back into the team during the year he went on a scoring run. Even the little games he's played this year, he's made an impact. So, you know, that's what you kind of hold on to".

Not even Dominic Solanke, who was brought in for £65 million in the summer, is enough to fill the gaps in attack. "Dom coming in has been great, but again we can't overload him either, because ultimately even if he stays fit and nothing happens, performance will invariably drop if his energy levels drop. So it's something we're aware of and need to plan for. There's no doubt we need some bolstering in that front third over the next couple of transfer windows," Postecoglou concluded.