Ange Postecoglou has given an injury update on Tottenham star Micky van de Ven with the North London Derby against Arsenal on the horizon.
Van de Ven has been a vital player for Spurs since joining the club last summer with Postecoglou’s side often struggling in his absence.
There was naturally great concern then when the centre-back appeared to badly hurt his knee during the 4-0 win over Everton last weekend though he managed to play the full 90 minutes.
And after the manager didn’t mention him in his pre-match press conference, it was assumed he would be fit for Sunday’s clash at Newcastle United.
But the Dutchman didn’t make the trip to St. James Park, with Radu Dragusin taking his place, one of two changes to Tottenham’s starting XI, with Pape Sarr also replacing Brennan Johnson.
It’s a huge blow for Tottenham and even more concerning when they’re next match is against arch-rivals Arsenal on September 15 after the international break.
However, Postecoglou has suggested that Van de Ven will be back in time for that match, saying his injury is ‘nothing serious’.
‘Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent,’ the 59-year-old explained ahead of kick-off for the Magpies game.
‘Part of me was keen to give Radu a run, especially at this venue, so yeah we’re going with Radu today.’
Asked if it was disappointing, the manager replied: ‘No, not really. It’s nothing serious.
‘We’ve got a heaped programme straight after the international break so we’re going to need all our back four. So getting Radu a game today I think is a positive thing for us.’
Spurs also have injury issues up front, with centre-forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison both out for the Newcastle clash.
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