AZ1 - 0Spurs

The former Liverpool and Bournemouth striker made his first appearance since January 15 in the last-16 first-leg defeat, having previously spent several weeks out with a knee injury.

Solanke was introduced for Son Heung-min in the 72nd minute of the tie, but the England international was then taken off 20 minutes later following a collision with AZ goalkeeper Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

Solanke was visibly grimacing as he left the field in injury time, sparking fears of another injury blow for Spurs' number nine immediately after his recovery from his severe knee concern.

Postecoglou was unsurprisingly questioned on Solanke's condition at full time, and while the Australian was hopeful that the Englishman had only sustained a knock, he could not say for sure.

Postecoglou unsure of Solanke injury severity

"I am not even sure. It looks like a knock but I haven't really seen it. Hopefully nothing too bad," football.london quotes Postecoglou as saying.

During Solanke's short time on the field, the 27-year-old could not claw his side back into the game after an unfortunate Lucas Bergvall own goal gave the Dutch side the lead in the 18th minute.

The Swedish teenager's attempted clearance sliced off his shin and looped over Guglielmo Vicario, eventually nestling into the back of the net despite the best efforts of Djed Spence at the back stick.

Despite boasting 61% of the ball, Tottenham never truly looked like equalising at the AFAS Stadion, which Postecoglou attributed to a lack of aggression rather than the absence of effort from his players.

"I don't think it's a matter of effort or attitude. I don't think it is going out there and not trying, but like I said we didn't really come to grips and have the right mindset to tackle an away fixture in Europe," he added.

Tottenham suffer new suspension blow for AZ second leg

"It is always tough and we obviously conceded the goal, which was a disappointing set of events but even after that we didn't really settle down into the game at all.

"You are going to face some pressure when you play away from home in Europe and weather the storm and get to grips with it, but we never really did so that was a disappointment."

The Lilywhites will have the chance to turn the tie around in next Thursday's second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but they must do so without Rodrigo Bentancur, who picked up his third Europa League yellow card of the season in the Netherlands and is therefore suspended.

Either Pape Sarr or Yves Bissouma should deputise for the banned Uruguayan in the return fixture, where Spurs must better their 1-0 win over AZ from the league phase if they are to advance without the need for penalties.

Before Postecoglou's side return to European endeavours, their next Premier League fixture takes place on Sunday afternoon at home to Bournemouth.

Written by

Ben Knapton