Roberto De Zerbi backs Dominic Solanke ahead of Liverpool clash

Roberto De Zerbi has thrown his public support behind Dominic Solanke as Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a Carabao Cup third-round trip to Liverpool on September 15. The backing comes at a moment when Spurs desperately need their striker to deliver, with the club yet to score a single goal in the Premier League this season.

De Zerbi described Solanke as a “special player” during his pre-match press conference, a vote of confidence that carries extra weight given the striker has logged just 114 minutes of action so far this campaign.

A goalless start and a graveyard fixture

Tottenham’s season has been defined by frustration. Four Premier League matches, zero wins, zero goals. Their most recent outing, a 0-0 draw against Everton, extended a run that has tested the patience of supporters already adjusting to life under a new manager.

The match kicks off at 8pm BST and will be broadcast on ITV4 and Sky Sports.

Injury headaches compound the challenge

De Zerbi’s selection headaches extend well beyond Solanke’s form. Sandro Tonali and Pedro Porro are both confirmed absentees due to injuries, stripping the squad of a key midfielder and a first-choice full-back in one go.

Dejan Kulusevski is also unavailable.

Richarlison is eligible for the cup tie but has been excluded from the squad entirely. De Zerbi offered no elaborate explanation, but the decision speaks volumes about where the Brazilian sits in the new manager’s plans.

Destiny Udogie is available for selection, giving De Zerbi at least one defensive option to work with.

Solanke’s moment to prove himself

The striker came through Liverpool’s academy before eventually moving on, a detail that adds a personal subplot to an already charged fixture.

De Zerbi’s public endorsement suggests the Italian sees Solanke as central to Tottenham’s attacking identity going forward. Calling someone a “special player” when they’ve had roughly two full matches worth of minutes is a deliberate choice, one designed to build confidence rather than heap pressure.

Both clubs are expected to field rotated lineups due to injury constraints on both sides.

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