Tottenham handed boost ahead of Sunday's game against Brighton

Tottenham Hotspur's next Premier League opponents, Brighton and Hove Albion, are set to be without a key player ahead of their clash with Spurs this coming Sunday afternoon, the final Premier League game before the October international break.

As per Dutch media outlet Voetbal International, the Dutch defender is "definitely" going to be unavailable for the game on Sunday, having not played since the Seagulls 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on the 22nd of September with a groin injury.

Consequentially, Fabian Hurzeler may have to go with the CB duo of Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster. The pair's pace, or lack thereof, was seriously exposed, time and time again in their defeat to Chelsea last time out, and that is something that Spurs could seriously exploit.

Tottenham handed boost ahead of Sunday's game against Brighton

Despite both player's lack of pace and mobility, Fabian Hurzeler played a high line at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea continued to pierce their backline with balls over the top. Igor Julio did replace Adam Webster in the second half, so he could come into the starting XI here, but it is still useful from a Spurs point of view that van Hecke will not be at Hurzeler's disposal on Sunday.

Spurs create their best chances in transition and whoever plays on Sunday, there will be some serious opportunities for Ange Postecoglou's side in behind. If Heung Min-Son is fit for the game, it could be the exact type of scenario that the 32-year-old thrives in.

As a side note, this could well mean that Micky Van De Ven is in the Netherlands squad for Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Germany. With his form, he should be regardless, but this only helps his case. With the poor form of Matthijs De Ligt, who Van De Ven ran past during his incredible solo run on Sunday, the Spurs central defender could even be in line to start with Virgil Van Dijk.