Solanke and Romero Ruled Out as Spurs Prepare for Bodo/Glimt Challenge

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that key striker Dominic Solanke will not feature in the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, following minor ankle surgery. Defender Cristian Romero is also set to miss the match, although his absence is being treated as a precaution.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Frank explained that Solanke had been managing an ankle issue for some time, which eventually required surgical intervention.

“He’s not ready. We’ll have more news on the time frame after the international break, but I don’t expect it to be long,” the Spurs boss said, offering reassurance that the striker’s layoff is not expected to be lengthy.

Romero, meanwhile, missed training earlier in the day, prompting questions about his availability. Frank confirmed the Argentine defender will also sit out the fixture but emphasized that the decision was made with caution in mind.

“It was just a precaution,” he said, downplaying any serious concerns over Romero’s fitness.

As Spurs prepare for the midweek encounter in Norway, Frank shed light on the team’s travel and training plans, revealing that the squad would hold just one training session before the match. The Danish manager pointed to the need for tactical focus and adaptation to the playing surface at Bodo’s stadium.

“We have one training and we want to be more tactical… The surface is different here, and we need to get used to it. We’re ready for the challenge,” Frank said, referring to Bodo’s artificial pitch.

Tottenham come into the match as reigning Europa League champions, having defeated Bodo in last season’s semifinals en route to lifting the trophy. Despite that past success, Frank was full of praise for the Norwegian club’s development on the European stage.

“They’re fantastic. Their story is unique… building a smaller club into a force in Norway and now competing in Europe, that’s impressive,” he said.

The absence of Solanke and Romero presents a challenge for Frank, but the manager’s confidence in his squad and respect for the opposition sets the stage for a tightly contested group-stage encounter. Spurs will look to continue their strong European form while adapting to unfamiliar conditions in what promises to be a significant early test in their Champions League campaign.