Solanke joined Spurs for £65million earlier this month but will miss Saturday’s game against Everton after picking up a knock to his ankle in the 1-1 draw at Leicester on Monday.

Richarlison would normally be Solanke’s successor, but a calf injury meant he was unable to play a single minute of pre-season, ending his 2024-25 campaign prematurely.

When asked about Richarlison, Postecoglou said: “He is fit enough to start the game because he is training, but can he play 90 minutes? No.”

“So that’s where the decision lies. He came in last week, but his match fitness is different and he didn’t play a minute in pre-season.”

“That’s the thing with Richy, we’re trying to get him fit. Of course we have to be a bit careful with him because he hasn’t played for a while.

“I have said before that I have always chosen him when he was fit and available because he represents a real challenge for the opposition. He is very physical in the box, he is a good finisher and he works hard for the team.

“But now that we have Dom, hopefully we can share the workload and not be so dependent on one player.

“I think Richy, he’s still at a good age where he can still play fantastic football for us. We need to make sure we keep him fit and manage his workload so we can get the best out of him.”

Richarlison had attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League this summer and could have left the club if a suitable offer came along, but the Brazilian striker put an end to all speculation last month when he declared he would stay.

For Postecoglou, this was music to his ears as he added: “He is not someone we wanted to sell. At least not from my point of view. We need two strikers and we have them.”

“Richy isn’t going anywhere, but if he were to leave, I would definitely sign another striker. We had the problem last year that we really didn’t have enough players in that area.”

“I let Deki (Dejan) Kulusevski play there all preseason because we didn’t sign Dom and Richy was out.

“It makes a difference in how we play when we have a striker. It’s really important for us to have two recognized strong strikers in the team.”

Solanke’s unfortunate injury came after he had played all 38 games for Bournemouth last season, but Postecoglou had no reason to hug the £65m striker.

“It’s not so bad that he would have to be out for five weeks. He still has a chance for the game against Newcastle (on September 1),” revealed Postecoglou.

“He’s a great man and I’ve always said that to footballers – nothing goes smoothly. And think of the poor old manager!

“Forget the player, what about me? I just lost my main striker a week and a half after buying him – I need someone to support me. No, it’s all good.”

Postecoglou will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur due to concussion protocols, but Yves Bissouma may have to settle for a place on the bench after being banned by the club for their opening Premier League game after a video showed him inhaling laughing gas.

He added: “Do you know what it’s like when you punish your child and he does everything right for the next two days?

“He’s the first one at the meetings, he does everything right, but there are always temptations later on, so we’ll see.”

“I have always believed in the possibility of making amends and learning. With Biss we are currently still in that phase. But of course that door closes after a while if (indiscretions) occur repeatedly.”