Micky van de Ven Struggled with Injuries Throughout the Season
Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive concerns have deepened as manager Ange Postecoglou provided a concerning update on Micky van de Ven’s fitness ahead of their FA Cup clash with Aston Villa. The Dutch defender, who has been plagued by injuries this season, is set for another spell on the sidelines, adding to Spurs’ growing list of unavailable players.
Ange Postecoglou Delivers Alarming Update Regarding Defender
Van de Ven has endured a difficult campaign, having made just 12 appearances due to persistent injuries. His latest setback came after featuring in Tottenham’s 3-0 Europa League victory over Elfsborg in January, marking his return after a two-month absence with a hamstring problem. However, the relief was short-lived, as he has since missed key fixtures against Brentford and Liverpool, raising fears of another prolonged recovery period.
Speaking to the media, Ange Postecoglou confirmed that van de Ven will be unavailable for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Villa Park. The Australian manager admitted, “Micky probably is going to be a bit of a slow burner.”
Spurs’ Defence Struggles with an Abundance of Injuries
Van de Ven’s absence further compounds Spurs’ defensive woes, with several key players currently sidelined. Ange Postecoglou highlighted the potential return of some squad members in the coming weeks, offering a glimmer of hope amid the injury crisis.
“The ones who are definitely close are guys like [Guglielmo] Vicario, Destiny [Udogie], Wilson [Odobert], Madders [James Maddison], Brennan [Johnson] at a stretch,” Ange Postecoglou revealed. “They should all be back by midweek next week in terms of training, or the week after. Over the next two weeks, they should all be available.”
Spurs have been one of the unluckiest teams in the Premier League this season in terms of injuries, particularly in defence. The backline has been severely impacted, with van de Ven’s continued struggles, Cristian Romero’s inconsistent availability, and Destiny Udogie’s recurring issues keeping them in the treatment room alongside recent signing Radu Dragusin.
Tottenham’s Defensive Reinforcements After January Transfer Window
Tottenham attempted to address their defensive concerns by signing Austrian centre-back Kevin Danso from Lens on an initial loan deal in the January transfer window. Danso was thrust into action immediately, making his debut during Spurs’ 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in midweek—a match that saw them miss out on the Carabao Cup final.
While Danso’s arrival provides additional defensive depth, it remains to be seen how effectively he can fill the void left by van de Ven and other injured defenders. The Dutchman’s absence has been deeply felt, and his prolonged recovery will be a major concern as Spurs navigate crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions.
What’s Next for Spurs and Van de Ven?
With Ange Postecoglou hinting at a “slow burner” recovery for van de Ven, Tottenham fans will have to be patient for the return of their key defender. As they prepare for their FA Cup clash with Aston Villa, the focus will be on managing the squad’s fitness carefully while hoping for a swift return of their sidelined stars.
Spurs’ injury crisis is undoubtedly testing their squad depth and resilience. Whether they can maintain their push for a top-four finish and progress in cup competitions despite these setbacks remains to be seen. However, with Postecoglou’s guidance and the potential return of crucial players, Tottenham will be hopeful of getting through this challenging period stronger than before.
