The sight of Dominic Solanke grimacing as he made his way off the pitch in stoppage time was the last thing Ange Postecoglou wanted to see. Only returning to action for the first time since January in Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening, the striker would only be involved for around 20 minutes following a nasty collision late on.
Going to contest for the ball with AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro following a cross from the right flank, Solanke took a knee to his lower back or possibly even his hip and immediately went to ground. The 27-year-old was clearly in some pain as he could be seen beating the turf a number of times prior to receiving treatment.
That would be his last involvement in the game as Dane Scarlett was readied and brought on in his place. Solanke didn't look comfortable at all when hobbling around the perimeter of the pitch when making his way back to the substitutes' bench with his arm around one of Tottenham's backroom team. The late knock does now raise question marks over his participation in Sunday's Premier League home clash against Bournemouth.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Postecoglou was unsure over the extent of the injury. He said: "I am not even sure. It looks like a knock but I haven’t really seen it. Hopefully nothing too bad."
All will have their fingers crossed that the ex-Chelsea youngster can make a swift recovery from the knock and play some part in the game going on how important he is to Postecoglou's Tottenham team. Spurs are a much better side with Solanke leading the line and they have missed him dearly during his absence.
With all eyes always going to be on the head coach's team selection with Solanke, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven making the trip to the Netherlands, the trio started the game on the bench rather than immediately going into starting XI at the very first opportunity. Mathys Tel did operate as a striker once again but it was another game to forget for the young Frenchman.
After only managing 13 touches of the ball last Wednesday against Manchester City, this time he managed 14 - with a 100% pass accuracy from his 10 passes - but unfortunately he was not to have an opportunity in and around the 18-yard box. It was AZ who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and looked most likely to score even after Lucas Bergvall had put the ball through his own net.
There was a real lack of service for Tel, who tried his best to hold the ball up for the team when in possession, as Spurs failed to really trouble their opponents despite seeing more of the ball in the AZ half after going a goal down. Tel was to be replaced at the break as Wilson Odobert rather than Solanke came on in his place, thus seeing Son Heung-min move into a central role in the front three.
Solanke appeared to be the most obvious choice up front but Postecoglou's decision very much hinted at the striker's fitness levels upon his return from injury to the matchday squad. Clearly wanting to ease him back into action, the ex-Bournemouth man took the place of Son for the final 18 minutes of the contest.
As was the case with Tel, nothing fell Solanke's way as Spurs chased a late equaliser. When they did get the ball into the box for him that's when he picked up that nasty knock that saw his game come to an early end.
Not getting much joy in the final third in the past couple of games, Postecoglou needs things to change for either Tel or Solanke next Thursday when Tottenham look to secure a place in the last eight of the competition. AZ are going to be a tough nut to crack and Solanke really could make all the difference if he is in a position to play and lead the line.
All will be praying that he does not face another spell in the treatment room.
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