Tottenham face striker problems as Dominic Solanke is out of action with an ankle injury | Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou faces a striker problem against Everton on Saturday after Tottenham's record signing Dominic Solanke is ruled out with an ankle injury sustained on his debut.

Solanke played the entirety of Monday night's 1-1 draw with Leicester but is now fighting to return before the international break in September. After battling injuries all summer, Richarlison missed the entire pre-season and only made a one-minute appearance on the bench against Leicester. Postecoglou confirmed the Brazilian is fit enough to start on Saturday but will not be able to complete 90 minutes, leaving the manager with the dilemma of whether to opt for Dejan Kulusevski or Son Heung-min at centre-forward instead.

“It's not so bad that he has to be out for five weeks,” said Postecoglou of Solanke, whom Spurs signed from Bournemouth this month for an initial £55 million. “He still has a chance for the game against Newcastle [on 1 September]It's just a matter of how quickly he recovers.

“Every story is written differently. It's not all fairytales where you come from, make your debut and score a hat-trick. He was very good for us at Leicester and we're disappointed because it was really exciting to see him fit in really well with what we do. I've got no doubt about that. It's just a little blip. He'll miss a game or two. It's the first of over 50 games.”

Asked if the former Bournemouth player needed to bounce back after the setback so early in his Spurs career, Postecoglou joked: “Think of the poor old manager. Forget the player, what about me? I've just lost my main striker a week and a half after buying him – I need someone to back me up.”

“No, everything is fine. We didn't sign Dom for one game and he knows that. Hopefully he stays here for a long time to have a real impact on this club and bring it success.”

Son was frequently used as Spurs' centre-forward last season, while Kulusevski impressed as a substitute in pre-season. Postecoglou said the Swede “could do a job there for us, but I don't think that's his best position”.

Tottenham will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur for the Everton match as the Uruguayan recovers from the concussion he suffered against Leicester. Postecoglou confirmed that Yves Bissouma is available for the squad after the club imposed a one-match ban when footage emerged that appeared to show him inhaling laughing gas. However, the Australian admitted that “bridge building” continues after that incident.

“Do you know what it's like when you punish your child and he does everything right for the next two days?” said Postecoglou.[Bissouma] is the first at the meetings, he does everything right, but later on there are always temptations, so we will see.

“I have always believed in the possibility of making amends and learning. We are still in that area with bite at the moment. But of course that door closes after a while if it happens repeatedly [indiscretions].”