In the win over Manchester City last month, Tottenham Hotspur central defender Micky van de Ven had to be withdrawn just after 10 minutes into the game, after visibly pulling his hamstring. At first, it seemed like he would be back after the international break. After the game against City, Ronald Koeman named him in his provisional Netherlands squad, before not being named in the final list.
Then, it seemed like he was going to be back at the beginning of December, and therefore missing at least the games against Manchester City and AS Roma. However, it seems like he’s going to now be out for even longer than that, after an update from Ange Postecoglu.
Spurs set to be without two key players for this weekend
The Spurs manager said: “He is out on the grass and he is training, but he’s still a couple of weeks away. We’re hoping by the middle of December, he’s back and involved and playing.”
The middle of December would be the 15th, where Spurs face Southampton on the road. Let’s hypothetically say he is back for that game, he would miss; Manchester City (away), AS Roma (home), Fulham (home), AFC Bournemouth (away), Chelsea (home), and Rangers (away).
There is a double whammy, too, with Ange stating that Cristian Romero is a doubt for the trip to City, having picked up a foot injury on international duty with Argentina, during their defeat to Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
Pretty rough situation. Ben Davies has been fairly serviceable at times, and is coming off the back of a solid international break with Wales, but he lacks the pace van de Ven has. So do most players, in fairness – but pace is definitely not the Welshman’s forte, particularly at this stage of his career.
As for Radu Dragusin, he has clearly had some really tough moments in a Spurs shirt. He is also coming off a good international break, which should hopefully help his confidence as well as his match rhythm.
This also comes after the news that John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish are back in training ahead of the game. The idea of Erling Haaland running in behind the Spurs high line is a pretty petrifying thought.
Last year, Ange’s side managed to get a point at the Etihad with a central defensive partnership of Davies and Emerson Royal – though they did concede three goals. Can we be sure that Spurs can be clinical in front of goal with a basketball esque game this weekend?