Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has reportedly been handed a positive injury update for star defender Micky van de Ven ahead of next week’s north London derby against Arsenal.
Having started and played 90 minutes in both of Spurs’ opening two Premier League matches this season, the Dutchman was forced to miss last Sunday’s defeat away to Newcastle United with a knee injury.
It left Tottenham looking shaky at the back, with the capital club exposed on several occasions - a problem that eventually led to Newcastle snatching the winner 12 minutes from time.
And with Premier League hopefuls Arsenal next up for Spurs, Postecoglou will be keen to have Van de Ven back in the starting XI.
The good news for the Australian is that it’s looking likely Van de Ven will be available for the clash.
It’s suggested by Dr Rajpal Brar, who spoke to tottenhamhotspurnews.com, that the knee injury that kept Van de Ven out of last weekend’s fixture isn’t considered a serious one and he was left out of the matchday squad as a ‘precaution’.
The doctor said: “He injured the knee during a tussle in the Everton game and has been making progress since.
“Not exactly sure what the issue is but he was already close prior to the international break and the club were cautious with him – partly due to, as Ange referred, a heavy program following the break where Tottenham matches come thick and fast with multiple of them against top competition.”
Don't miss... Ex-England star insists 'I'm a sporting great and I deserve a knighthood' [LATEST]
Postecoglou is right to be wary of his players’ workloads, as after Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal, Spurs are in League Cup action away to Coventry City, before another all-London Premier League tie, this time against Brentford.
Following that, Tottenham begin their Europa League campaign, starting with a home tie against Qarabag FK, all before they visit Old Trafford for an encounter with Manchester United.
But Van de Ven isn’t the only injury concern Postecoglou will be fretting about ahead of the Arsenal match, with summer signing Dominic Solanke having also sat out of the Newcastle game.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Don't miss...
Cole Palmer to be denied position change as Chelsea make promise to team-mate [NEWS]
Man Utd 'send scouts to Turkey' to watch new defender target [READ]
Boehly 'backed Mauricio Pochettino' as details of Chelsea civil war detailed [LATEST]
Making his debut on opening night against Leicester City, the £65m ace was ruled out of Spurs’ first home game of the season against Everton, before going on to miss the trip to the north East.
Speaking about Solanke’s fitness ahead of the match, Postecoglou said: “Dom is close but we’re going to be a bit cautious with him, we’ve got a big programme post the international break, so he’ll miss out on Sunday.
“The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he’ll probably miss the next few weeks.”