Tottenham achieved a significant milestone in the Carabao Cup this past week, triumphing over Manchester City with a 2-1 victory that secured their place in the tournament’s quarter-finals. However, this success was bittersweet, as defender Micky van de Ven exited the match just 14 minutes in due to a hamstring injury. His visible distress as he left the pitch in tears raised immediate concerns about the seriousness of his condition.
Physio Scout, a reputable source for injury analysis on social media platform X, has provided insights into van de Ven’s injury status. The analysis indicates that the injury likely resulted from an intense sprint followed by a rapid deceleration, potentially exacerbating pre-existing tightness in his hamstring.
While initial fears about the severity of the injury were high, Physio Scout offers a more optimistic outlook. Recovery timelines can vary greatly based on the specific type and severity of the hamstring injury. If the issue is merely tightness, van de Ven might return to the pitch within a week. Conversely, if scans reveal a Grade 1 strain, he could face a recovery period of two to four weeks. A more serious Grade 2 strain could sideline him for up to six weeks.
Physio Scout elaborated on the situation: “There is a possibility he did his hamstring during the sprint and deceleration phase. The physio was seen conducting hamstring tests on him.” The pending scan results are crucial, but the preliminary assessment leans toward a minor issue, especially since the 23-year-old had exhibited signs of tightness before the match.
In van de Ven’s absence, Tottenham will likely rely on Radu Dragușin to step up as a centre-back option. The Romanian defender has had limited playing time this season, largely due to the consistent pairing of Cristian Romero and van de Ven in central defense. Dragușin has faced speculation about a potential move away from the club due to his lack of game time, but this situation presents him with a pivotal opportunity to make his mark and contribute significantly to Spurs’ defense. Impressing manager Ange Postecoglou could help him secure a more permanent spot in the lineup.
As Tottenham prepares for a busy series of fixtures in the coming weeks, van de Ven’s recovery will be closely monitored, with fans and the club alike hoping for a swift return to action.