How Tottenham might set up with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke closing in on thrilling returns

Thomas Frank is missing a few players through injury, but he remains hopeful of having most of his squad available after the October international break, especially as he aims to keep Spurs competitive during a challenging run of fixtures. Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr have caused minor concerns — Bergvall withdrew from international duty, while Sarr picked up a knock against Brazil — though the club believes both issues are not serious.

Frank will be eager for positive news, with several players expected to return after the break, giving him more flexibility to adjust his system. Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski could both be reintegrated, and there are a number of ways Frank could set up with the pair back in the squad.

Kulusevski as a number ten with Dominic Solanke leading the line
If Kulusevski and Solanke regain full fitness, Frank will have multiple tactical options, including shifting Kulusevski into the number ten role, typically occupied by Xavi Simons. The Dutchman has struggled to stamp his authority on games, with Spurs often lacking cutting edge despite dominating possession. Moving Kulusevski centrally could help, given his creativity, technical quality, and aggressive pressing.

Possible XI:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Kulusevski, Odobert; Solanke.

Kulusevski in a deeper role with Simons as the playmaker
Another approach would see Kulusevski deployed deeper in midfield, allowing Xavi Simons to operate as the main creator.

Kulusevski off the right wing with Solanke up front
Frank could also return Kulusevski to the right flank, where he has regularly featured. Mohammed Kudus has played there for much of the season, but Frank has at times pushed him into more central areas — a trend that could continue with Kulusevski available again. This setup would see Kudus operating closer to Solanke, while Kulusevski provides ball progression and creativity from the right. Simons could then play from the left, drifting inside as he has previously under Frank.

This shape would allow Spurs to overload central areas, mirroring approaches used by other top sides, and offering fluidity with Kudus, Kulusevski and Simons rotating between pockets of space.

Possible XI:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Palhinha, Bentancur, Odobert; Kudus, Solanke.