Tottenham star out of action until February as journalist shares disappointing injury update

Tottenham showed plenty of fight at Old Trafford on Saturday, but their wait for a first Premier League victory of the season goes on.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Man United after Dominic Solanke struck in stoppage time, rescuing a point when Spurs appeared to be heading for another damaging defeat.

Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Tottenham controlled much of the first half, moving the ball with greater purpose and repeatedly finding space around a United midfield unable to handle their movement.

Solanke had an early opportunity after Lucas Bergvall punished a mistake from goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but the striker couldn’t apply the finish.

Archie Gray later went even closer, striking the post after meeting Mohammed Kudus’ wicked delivery, but those missed chances looked costly when United improved after the break.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, turning home Matheus Cunha’s cross to give Michael Carrick’s team a lead they had done little to earn.

The situation then became even harder for Spurs when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off following his confrontation with Luke Shaw.

Tottenham were a goal down, reduced to 10 men and facing the prospect of leaving Old Trafford empty-handed.

Instead, they responded with the sort of spirit De Zerbi has been demanding.

Sandro Tonali delivered a dangerous ball into the area in the 92nd minute and Solanke fought his way in front of Lisandro Martínez before heading beyond Lammens.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

It was only Tottenham’s third league goal of the campaign and moved them off the bottom. However, they remain 18th with three points from six matches and are still searching for a first win.

De Zerbi can take encouragement from the performance and the reaction to Bentancur’s dismissal, but his attacking options remain short of one player capable of providing the creativity and unpredictability Spurs have often lacked.

Xavi Simons has been absent since suffering a serious ACL injury during Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Wolves in April.

The Netherlands international underwent surgery and has been working through a long rehab programme, with the setback also ruling him out of the summer World Cup.

Simons recently raised hopes among supporters by sharing an image on Instagram in which he was wearing football boots.

That post suggested another step had been taken in his recovery, but a fresh report has played down the possibility of an imminent return.

Tottenham face long Xavi Simons wait as February return claim emerges

Sport Witness has relayed comments from De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, who believes Simons is not likely to make his comeback until February.

That would keep the attacking midfielder out for another four months and remove him from a significant part of Tottenham’s season.

The date hasn’t been announced by Spurs and should therefore be treated as an outside prediction rather than a confirmed schedule, but even so, the suggestion underlines the seriousness of the injury and the care required before Simons can resume full training.

There will be a temptation to read plenty into every photograph and rehab clip he shares, particularly while Tottenham struggle for goals.

Wearing football boots is encouraging, but it is very different from being ready for the physical demands of the Premier League.

Simons is using part of his time away from the pitch to join Harvard Business School’s Crossover Into Business programme while continuing his recovery.

His immediate football target, however, will simply be returning without another setback.

Tottenham need inspiration now, but they cannot afford to rush one of their most gifted players.