“Yes, the update fans have been eager to see and here, Radu Dragusin can’t be trusted with speedy and Pacy Fulham wingers”- Tottenham drop huge Micky van de Ven important injury return details before Fulham clash
Tottenham Hotspur have issued a crucial injury update on defender Micky van de Ven ahead of their Premier League showdown with Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Dutch center-back has been out of action since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City at the end of October. His absence has left a significant void in Spurs’ backline, already grappling with injuries to other key defenders.
Van de Ven’s injury troubles have been a recurring issue since his arrival in North London during the summer transfer window of 2023. In less than 18 months, he has suffered three separate hamstring injuries, which have collectively sidelined him for 15 matches so far. These persistent setbacks have been a major source of frustration for both the player and the club, especially given the vital role he was expected to play in Ange Postecoglou’s defensive setup. The Australian manager has had to contend with a depleted defensive lineup for much of the season, with Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie also missing significant chunks of action due to various injuries.
Adding to Tottenham’s defensive headaches, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has recently been ruled out for approximately two months after fracturing his ankle. Vicario’s absence further compounds Postecoglou’s challenges in maintaining a cohesive and resilient defensive unit. While the injury blows have tested the team’s depth, there is cautious optimism regarding the return of key players like Van de Ven and Romero, who are both making strides in their recovery.
Speaking about Romero’s progress during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Postecoglou hinted that the Argentine could potentially feature against Fulham. “Romero is closer; he’s probably the closest [to returning]. But again, probably unlikely. I’m not ruling him out, though,” the Spurs boss revealed. Romero’s availability, even as a substitute, would offer some much-needed relief as the team looks to regain defensive solidity.
On the topic of Van de Ven, Postecoglou struck a more cautious tone. “Micky is still on course. He’s working hard, training again. It’s sort of day by day with him. We’ve just got to make sure he ticks all the boxes before he gets reintegrated [into the squad],” he explained. Given Van de Ven’s history of recurring injuries, Spurs are understandably taking a measured approach to ensure his recovery is thorough and that he avoids further setbacks.
To give fans an update on Van de Ven’s rehabilitation, Tottenham released a video montage on Friday that highlighted the defender’s progress. The 64-second clip showcased the 22-year-old working diligently in the gym before transitioning to an individual session on the training pitch at Hotspur Way. The footage revealed an intense and high-paced workout, suggesting that Van de Ven is pushing hard to return to full fitness. While it’s clear he is moving closer to rejoining team training, his return to match action remains uncertain.
Despite these positive signs, it appears unlikely that Van de Ven will be available for selection in Sunday’s London derby against Fulham. The club is focused on ensuring the defender is fully fit and ready to handle the demands of a hectic fixture schedule, especially with the busy Christmas period looming. Tottenham will undoubtedly need all hands on deck as they navigate a congested run of matches that could prove pivotal in their quest for success this season.
The eventual return of Van de Ven, coupled with Romero’s recovery, promises to bolster Tottenham’s defensive options significantly. Van de Ven’s pace, composure, and ability to read the game have been sorely missed, and his reintegration into the lineup will provide a crucial boost. Similarly, Romero’s aggressive style and leadership at the back are vital components of Postecoglou’s tactical system.
For now, Tottenham must continue to weather the storm and make do with the players at their disposal. With Fulham presenting a challenging test, Spurs will look to maintain their strong start to the Premier League campaign while carefully managing the recovery of their injured stars. The prospect of having a fully fit squad as the season progresses is undoubtedly a tantalizing one for Postecoglou, who will be eager to see his team firing on all cylinders as they aim to compete on multiple fronts.