BREAKING NEWS: Tudor Reveals Key Man ‘Will MISS’ Fulham Clash After Injury Takes Turn for the Worse
Tudor Reveals Key Man ‘Will MISS’ Fulham Clash After Injury Takes Turn for the Worse
Micky van de Ven’s fitness became a talking point after Tottenham’s recent clash with Arsenal, but Igor Tudor has wasted little time in dismissing any major concerns.
The Spurs head coach addressed the situation head-on, insisting there was no real drama behind the incident. In fact, Tudor revealed that he and his centre-back did not even hold a follow-up conversation about it after the match — simply because, in his view, there was nothing worth discussing. That alone speaks volumes about how minor the issue is considered internally.
Van de Ven sustained a small toe injury during the heated encounter with Arsenal, briefly raising fears that Tottenham could be without one of their most important defensive figures at a crucial stage of the campaign. However, Tudor clarified that the problem is not serious and confirmed the Dutchman is expected to be available for selection when Spurs travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.
That update will come as a huge boost. Tottenham’s defensive structure leans heavily on van de Ven’s unique attributes — particularly his blistering recovery speed and composure under pressure. His ability to sweep up danger behind a high line and remain calm in possession has often prevented minor issues from becoming full-blown crises. When he is absent, Spurs’ backline tends to look fragile and stretched. When he plays, there is at least a foundation to build upon.
Yet even with this slice of positive news, the wider context remains challenging for Tudor. Injuries and squad limitations have left him working with limited options — effectively a skeleton group of players during a demanding period. On top of that, Tottenham face a points gap they must close if they are to salvage their season, and the frustration among supporters continues to simmer.
The mission now is straightforward, even if the circumstances are not: win at Fulham. Tudor understands that momentum can shift quickly in football, but only if results follow. Securing three points on Sunday could steady nerves, ease external pressure and offer a platform for recovery. Everything else — debates, doubts and speculation — can wait.
Interestingly, while the immediate concern is van de Ven’s fitness, transfer talk continues to swirl in the background. Some media reports suggest Tottenham would demand a world-record fee for a defender should Europe’s elite attempt to lure the 24-year-old away. It underlines just how highly the club values him and how central he is to their long-term vision.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on the present. A minor toe problem has been brushed aside, the defender is set to feature, and Tudor’s attention turns to the next test. At this stage of the season, availability is everything — and having van de Ven ready for Craven Cottage could prove pivotal.