Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set their sights on signing a 20-year-old Ligue 1 defender in the wake of Micky van de Ven's latest injury blow.

The Dutchman was overcome by emotion when he suffered a thigh injury in Wednesday's 2-1 EFL Cup last-16 win over Manchester City, having spent two months out last season with a similar issue.

Van de Ven's concern this time around is not thought to be as severe, but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Friday that the centre-back will not return until after the international break.

As a result, the Netherlands international will at least be absent for three games, starting with Sunday's visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League, as well as imminent meetings with Galatasaray and Ipswich Town.

While Van de Ven is on the treatment table, Radu Dragusin is expected to step in alongside Cristian Romero, but Postecoglou's only other senior central option is Ben Davies, a left-back by trade and a player who is out of contract in 2025.

Tottenham to rival Newcastle United for Abdukodir Khusanov?

Dragusin - who struggles for Premier League game time when Romero and Van de Ven are fully fit - has been linked with an exit in January too, and Spurs are said to be targeting defensive reinforcements in January.

According to Football Insider, Lens and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov is a name on Spurs' radar, although the Lilywhites are not alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

Newcastle United are also believed to be keen to bring the fledgling defender to the Premier League in 2025, and he is regarded as a quick centre-back who can add speed to a team's backline.

Van de Ven has become renowned for his blistering pace since making the move to North London in 2023, but the report adds that both clubs have been 'warned' about Khusanov's minimal experience.

As Spurs and Newcastle are expecting to challenge for European football this season, the two sides could target older options midway through the season instead, but Khusanov is still regarded as a top prospect for the future.

Who is rumoured Tottenham target Khusanov?

Formerly of Bunyodkor in his homeland and Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, Khusanov joined Ligue 1 upstarts Lens for just €100k (£84k) in the summer of 2023 and made 15 appearances in his debut campaign.

The 20-year-old did not immediately become a regular starter for Les Sang et Or, but under the tutelage of newly-appointed manager Will Still, he has cemented himself as a key man in the heart of the Lens defence.

Khusanov has already 12 appearances in all competitions this season, starting each of Lens' last eight Ligue 1 games, but he was sent off in a 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

Standing at 6ft 1in tall, the defender is also a fundamental part of the Uzbekistan national team squad and has helped them go unbeaten in all of their World Cup qualifiers in 2024 so far.

Khusanov is under contract at Lens for another three years, and the French side will no doubt earn a serious profit on the £84k that they paid for his services last year if he does make the switch to England in 2025. body check tags ::

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly considered a shock move for Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein for the summer of 2025.

Tottenham have had a mixed 2024-25 campaign so far, losing four, drawing one and winning four of their nine Premier League games this term.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has come in for some criticism for his performances this season, with his ability to command the penalty area during set pieces a particular point of concern amongst fans.

Gabriel Magalhaes headed home Arsenal's winner in the North London Derby on September 15, but manager Ange Postecoglou insisted that any perceived weakness at set pieces is the responsibility of the coaching staff rather than the players.

However, Football Insider's senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke claims that Spurs could pounce on Gunners keeper Hein, who is on loan at Spanish side Real Valladolid and has less than one year left on his contract.

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Less competition at Spurs

Mikel Arteta has signed Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya as options for the first team in recent seasons, and also brought Neto in on loan from Bournemouth this past summer.

Hein was allowed to leave the club in search of playing time, and the 22-year-old has certainly impressed during his time in Spain, making 40 saves in 11 league games this term, the second most of any goalkeeper in La Liga.

If the Gunners keeper was to move to Spurs, his only competition would be Vicario and veteran Fraser Forster, whose contract is set to expire in the summer.

Whether Hein would be comfortable being second choice remains to be seen, but given the number of matches that Spurs will have to play this season considering their exploits in the Europa League and the EFL Cup, it would not be surprising if he was afforded significant playing time.

Additionally, should Vicario continue to face criticism, there is a chance that Postecoglou could make a change between the posts in the near future.

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Arsenal to Spurs?

Hein would become the 16th player to have played for both Spurs and Arsenal should Tottenham's interest materialise.

Perhaps the most famous player to have crossed the divide between the two clubs is Sol Campbell, who signed for the Gunners from Spurs on a free transfer in 2001.

Campbell was a graduate from Tottenham's academy and his decision to switch allegiances is one of the most controversial transfers in the history of the Premier League.

While Hein's potential switch would not garner as much scrutiny as Campbell's did, the goalkeeper would no doubt face significant criticism from Arsenal fans.

Separated by four places and five points in the Premier League table, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in North London on Sunday afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou's outfit stunned Manchester City 2-1 in the EFL Cup in midweek, on the same evening that the Lions lost to Crystal Palace by the same scoreline, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. ASTON VILLA

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Micky van de Ven (hamstring)

Doubtful: Djed Spence (groin), Son Heung-min (thigh), Timo Werner (fatigue), Cristian Romero (unspecified)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Kulusevski, Sarr, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

ASTON VILLA

Out: Ross Barkley (unspecified)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here. body check tags ::

Aston Villa will be bidding to equal a 100-year streak when they square off against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Despite being eliminated from the EFL Cup in midweek, the West Midlands outfit have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.

As well as starting the latest batch of fixtures in fourth position in the Premier League table, Villa have won each of their opening three fixtures in the Champions League.

Furthermore, Spurs can move to within two points of Villa, who currently occupy a Champions League qualification spot, should they prevail in North London.

However, Villa make the trip to North London full of confidence that they can continue their outstanding run in that part of the capital.

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What record can be matched?

Villa have excelled on their last two trips to Spurs' home ground, prevailing on both occasions in what ultimately proved to be crucial victories in their efforts to secure places in different continental competitions.

In January 2023, Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz scored second-half goals to secure a 2-0 victory for Emery, who had only arrived at the club two months earlier.

Later last year in November, Villa defied a Giovani Lo Celso opener to record a comeback 2-1 win, Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins netting either side of half time.

Should Villa prevail on Sunday, it would represent the first time since between 1922 and 1924 that they have posted three consecutive league successes at the home of Spurs.

As far as Villa's current away record is concerned, they have already accumulated 10 points from their four such fixtures this season. Only in 2020-21 have they ever managed to win four of their first five away league games.

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What trait is costing Spurs?

Despite being viewed as contenders for a top-five finish, Spurs have lost nine of their last 16 matches in the Premier League. Only Wolves (12) have lost more since that period started in April.

Meanwhile, Spurs have astonishingly conceded the first goal in 11 of their last 13 home matches in the Premier League, albeit still fighting back to win on seven occasions.

Incredibly, Spurs have recorded just two draws in their last 71 Premier League home fixtures. The current run without a stalemate stands at 23 games.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has delivered updates on Micky van de Ven and Son Heung-min's injuries ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Lilywhites return to top-flight duty on the back of an unexpected 2-1 triumph over Manchester City in the last 16 of the EFL Cup, but the beating of Pep Guardiola's side came at a cost.

Key centre-back Van de Ven was in tears as he was substituted with a hamstring injury in the first half, having already missed around two months of the 2023-24 campaign with a similar concern.

Van de Ven's reaction suggested that he would be set for a spell on the sidelines, and speaking to the media on Friday, Postecoglou confirmed that he would likely spend at least a couple of weeks out.

"Micky has sort of strained a hamstring. It's not too serious but we're probably looking at after the international break," the Australian said at his pre-game press conference.

Which Tottenham games will Van de Ven miss?

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In addition to Sunday's visit of Villa, Van de Ven will be unavailable for Tottenham's next Europa League game away to Galatasaray next Thursday, as well as their Premier League home clash with Ipswich Town on November 10.

Van de Ven is also unlikely to be selected for the Netherlands squad for their upcoming contests against Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League, but he could very well make his comeback against Man City on November 23.

The Dutchman was not the only casualty of that win for Tottenham, as Postecoglou was also forced to bring off Cristian Romero and Timo Werner, who opened the scoring on Wednesday with his first of the season.

Postecoglou played down the severity of their issues at full time, though, explaining that Romero's change was for precautionary reasons and Werner was likely suffering from fatigue rather than anything more sinister.

The Spurs boss is keeping his fingers crossed that the pair will be OK for Sunday, adding: "On Timo and Cristian, at the moment, there's still a chance for them for the weekend."

Will Son be available for Villa game?

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While there is a slim chance that Werner will not make the cut, Son Heung-min could be a like-for-like swap for the German on the left flank, as the South Korean has a good chance of being back in action on Sunday.

The 32-year-old has sat out Spurs' last three games with a thigh issue, which he picked up in the 4-1 win over West Ham United soon after recovering from a previous hamstring concern.

Postecoglou had a positive update to share on Son's condition, though, saying: "Sonny has trained today. If he trains tomorrow, he should be okay for the weekend."

There was no word on whether Djed Spence (groin) will be available for Sunday's game, though, while Wilson Odobert will definitely miss out following a thigh setback.

Spurs sit eighth in the Premier League table before the visit of fourth-placed Villa, whom Son boasts an impressive individual tally against ahead of his prospective return to action.

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Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min could be back in the ranks for Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The South Korea international has been absent for the past few weeks due to a thigh injury, but Ange Postecoglou is confident that he will be able to shake off the issue in time to start on Sunday.

Son's return to the frontline would be a major boost to Spurs' chances of success against Villa, who have often been haunted by the former Bayer Leverkusen man in the past.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at Son'a record against Aston Villa.

Son Heung-min's record vs. Aston Villa

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Played: 9

Won: 5

Drawn: 0

Lost: 4

Goals: 7

Assists: 3

If Son is given the green light to pit his wits against Villa on Sunday, the South Korea international will be facing the Lions for the 10th time in all competitions, and he already boasts more goal contributions than he does appearances against them.

Indeed, the South Korea captain has been directly involved in 10 efforts from nine meetings with Villa - seven of his own and three assists - although he has only been on the winning side in five of those battles, losing on another four occasions.

However, rather than being a constant menace against Villa, Son has built up his stellar record in this fixture through a few individual masterclasses, including at Villa Park in March 2024.

On that day, the Tottenham skipper scored one of his own and set up two more in a 4-0 thrashing, prior to which he had failed to score or assist in three straight games against the Lions, all of which saw Spurs suffer defeat.

In the 2021-22 season, though, Son made Villa Park his playground once again, scoring a brilliant hat-trick in a 4-0 romping of the West Midlands side after providing an assist for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a 2-1 home triumph.

Son remarkably had to wait until the 2019-20 season to face Villa in the Premier League - missing previous games through injury and suspension either side of the Lions' relegation to the Championship - but he quickly made his mark with a pivotal brace in that 2-0 victory.

The attacker's maiden appearance in this fixture actually came in a 2016-17 FA Cup third-round showdown, where he doubled Tottenham's advantage in a 2-0 victory after Ben Davies had opened the scoring.

With seven goals to his name against Villa, Son is the fifth-highest documented scorer in matches between Tottenham and the Lions, only behind Bobby Smith (12), Jimmy Greaves (nine), Harry Kane and Mark Falco (both eight).

Read more on Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa

Fresh Van de Ven concern: Tottenham injury list for Aston Villa clash

Click here to read our full preview for Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa

Will Van de Ven, Son be available? Spurs predicted XI against Villa

Watkins or Duran? How Villa could line up against Tottenham

Spurs vs. Aston Villa: Head-to-head record and past meetings

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On the back of contrasting results in the last 16 of the EFL Cup, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa lock horns in Sunday's 2pm Premier League kickoff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou's men have a spring in their step after Wednesday's terrific 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the cup, the same evening that Villa were condemned to an identical home defeat to Crystal Palace.

However, the Lions find themselves four places and five points better off than Tottenham in the Premier League table as things stand, and Unai Emery's men have traditionally had the better of this fixture in recent times.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 174

Spurs wins: 78

Draws: 36

Aston Villa wins: 60

An intriguing battle that has now taken place on 174 occasions in all competitions, Tottenham hold a slight edge over Villa in the victories column, beating the Lions 78 times while being trumped on 60 occasions themselves.

Spurs' most recent success over the West Midlands side was an incredibly emphatic one, as they rocked up to Villa Park in March 2024 and ran out 4-0 victors, a crushing win that also avenged a streak of losses to the Lions.

Prior to that home humbling, Emery masterminded three successive victories over Tottenham from January to November 2023, starting with a 2-0 win over an Antonio Conte-led team on New Year's Day.

The Lions also conquered Ryan Mason's Spurs 2-1 at home at the end of the 2022-23 season, before travelling to North London in November 2023 and running out winners by an identical scoreline.

That 2-1 loss means that Tottenham have been beaten in three of their last four Premier League home games against Aston Villa, who also earned a 2-1 triumph in the latter stages of the 2020-21 season, when Mason was at the helm again.

Remarkably, there has not been a single draw between Tottenham and Villa in 20 games, as the two sides last shared the spoils all the way back in May 2012, when Ciaran Clark and Emmanuel Adebayor were on target for their respective teams.

Outside of top-flight meetings, Tottenham and Villa also locked horns in the final of the 1970-71 EFL Cup, where a second-half brace from Martin Chivers propelled Spurs to a 2-0 victory.

The North London giants also lead the way in terms of individual scorers in this head-to-head - no player has managed more than Bobby Smith's 12 for Spurs against Villa, while current Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is not too far behind with seven.

Last 20 meetings

Mar 10, 2024: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Nov 26, 2023: Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

May 13, 2023: Aston Villa 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 01, 2023: Spurs 0-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Apr 09, 2022: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 03, 2021: Spurs 2-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

May 19, 2021: Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Mar 21, 2021: Aston Villa 0-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 16, 2020: Aston Villa 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

Aug 10, 2019: Spurs 3-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Jan 08, 2017: Spurs 2-0 Aston Villa (FA Cup Third Round)

Mar 13, 2016: Aston Villa 0-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Nov 02, 2015: Spurs 3-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Apr 11, 2015: Spurs 0-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Nov 02, 2014: Aston Villa 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)

May 11, 2014: Spurs 3-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Oct 20, 2013: Aston Villa 0-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 24, 2013: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs (League Cup Round Three)

Dec 26, 2012: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 07, 2012: Spurs 2-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings

Mar 10, 2024: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Nov 26, 2023: Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

May 13, 2023: Aston Villa 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 01, 2023: Spurs 0-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Apr 09, 2022: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 03, 2021: Spurs 2-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

May 19, 2021: Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Mar 21, 2021: Aston Villa 0-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 16, 2020: Aston Villa 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

Aug 10, 2019: Spurs 3-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Read more on Spurs vs Aston Villa

Fresh Van de Ven concern: Tottenham injury list for Aston Villa clash

Click here to read our full preview for Spurs vs Aston Villa

Will Van de Ven, Son be available? Spurs predicted XI against Villa

Watkins or Duran? How Villa could line up against Tottenham

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After being on opposite ends of EFL Cup upsets, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa meet in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, in a clash of the Champions League contenders and pretenders.

Ange Postecoglou's men defied expectations to eliminate Manchester City from the EFL Cup on Wednesday, but their West Midlands counterparts were outwitted at home to Crystal Palace.

Match preview

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Flash back to the middle of September, after Spurs' North London derby loss to bitter rivals Arsenal, when a defiant Postecoglou affirmed that he "always" wins trophies in his second year in charge of a club - a statement history shows us is indeed true.

On Wednesday evening, the Australian took a huge step towards fulfilling that promise to the Tottenham faithful, when Timo Werner ended his profligate streak and Pape Sarr curled home a sublime finish from 25 yards to crush Manchester City's quadruple dreams.

Another mammoth Mancunian test versus Manchester United - likely to be under the wing of Ruben Amorim later this month - awaits Spurs in the quarter-finals, but rectifying the mistakes of their last Premier League outing is now Postecoglou's number one priority.

A toothless Tottenham did not deserve anything from their trip to a hitherto winless Crystal Palace in gameweek nine, and that is exactly what they got, as Jean-Philippe Mateta fired the Eagles to their first top-flight win of the season and left Spurs eighth in the standings.

The Lilywhites already have a five-point gap to make up to their fourth-placed visitors, but the shock beating of Man City in midweek represented their fifth straight home victory in all competitions; AZ Alkmaar, Qarabag, Brentford and West Ham United have all been victims of that streak too.

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Villa head coach Unai Emery - whose Arsenal connections means that he should not enjoy a warm welcome to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - can empathise with Postecoglou when it comes to being outfought by Crystal Palace, who rocked up to Villa Park and left with their name in the pot for the EFL Cup quarter-final draw.

Despite playing for the majority of the match without the two jewels in their crown - Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton - Palace struck first through the former before Daichi Kamada ensured that Jhon Duran's effort would prove meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

The final week of October will not be looked back on fondly by the Lions, who were also left to lament a last-minute Evanilson header in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, denying them the chance to leapfrog Arsenal into the top three of the rankings.

However, Emery's side - who only trail Arsenal on goal difference before the weekend's fixtures - have now gone seven without defeat in the top flight of English football and have excelled on the road all season long, winning five and drawing one of their six away matches in all tournaments.

Moreover, the Villans have scored at least twice in all of those games on rival territory and were 2-1 victors at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November 2023, although Spurs then came away from Villa Park with a 4-0 win in March to end their three-match losing sequence in this fixture.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Aston Villa Premier League form:

Aston Villa form (all competitions):

Team News

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Tottenham's triumph over Man City was not without sacrifice, as Micky van de Ven cut a tearful figure as he came off with another hamstring problem in the first half, one which will surely keep him out of this weekend's game and potentially more matches in the future.

However, Cristian Romero and Timo Werner should be fine despite also not managing to complete the full 90 in midweek, and there is also optimism that skipper Son Heung-min will be back from his thigh issue in time to start Sunday's game.

Djed Spence (groin) is less likely to make the cut, though, and Wilson Odobert (hamstring) is definitely out following a "serious" setback. As Van de Ven takes his place in the infirmary, Radu Dragusin will deputise at the back.

As Postecoglou awaits the green light on a few of his troops, upcoming visitors Aston Villa are expected to have a clean bill of health for Sunday's tantalising affair after coming through their loss to Palace unscathed on the physical front.

Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara both made it through to the final whistle in midweek after their devastating knee injuries, but the pair should be among the players moved to the bench by Emery, who will revert to his strongest team despite the impending Champions League trip to Club Brugge.

Duran is still banging incredibly hard on Emery's door for a Premier League start, but talisman Ollie Watkins - omitted from the squad in midweek - will no doubt displace the Colombian at the tip of the attack here.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Kulusevski, Sarr, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Aston Villa

Spurs and Villa's EFL Cup exploits should not be taken at face value, as a strong Lilywhites team squared up to a weakened City side, while Villa made numerous changes to meet Crystal Palace's A-team.

With Postecoglou's men proving near-flawless at home in recent weeks and Villa finding the net for fun on the road, Sunday's game should be a terrific watch for the neutrals, and we think this one has a high-scoring draw written all over it.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made signing a centre-back their number one priority in the January transfer window.

The Lilywhites suffered yet another blow over the fitness of Micky van de Ven in Wednesday's 2-1 EFL Cup last-16 win over Manchester City, as the Dutchman came off in the first half with an apparent hamstring concern.

Van de Ven spent almost two months on the sidelines with a similar problem during the 2023-24 campaign, and Postecoglou is short of genuine alternatives to the 23-year-old at the back.

Radu Dragusin is the first port of call, but the Romanian has also been linked with an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January, having struggled for game time over Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Ben Davies and Archie Gray can both fill in at centre-back, although the pair are full-backs by trade, and Football Insider reports that Postecoglou is keen to strengthen his central defensive ranks when the winter window opens for business.

Ex-Tottenham scout 'worried' about Spurs' defensive stability

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Mick Brown - a former Tottenham scout - told the publication that he has 'heard' that Spurs are hoping to add to their centre-back contingent in January, as there are concerns about their defensive depth if Van de Ven and/or Romero spend time on the sidelines.

"They've got a settled pairing in Romero and Van de Ven, but behind them, they're short of real quality options and strength in depth," Brown told the publication. "From what I'm hearing, they want to bring in someone who can fill in if those two miss out.

"Tottenham worry me defensively. They fall down at the fundamentals, they're just not good enough at the back. That's even with their first-choice team on the pitch.

"Their strength in depth is an issue too because it makes rotation difficult. All the best teams have defensive units that you know you can rely upon every week. Look at Arsenal, for example, the big reason they've been able to challenge for the title is because of their defenders.

"Gabriel and [William] Saliba are so solid at the back, and everybody does their bit. Man City as well, everybody talks about their attacking talent and rightly so, but their defence is outstanding with the likes of [Ruben] Dias, [Manuel] Akanji and [Josko] Gvardiol."

What centre-backs could Tottenham target in January?

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The January transfer window is a notoriously difficult one for buying clubs, but Spurs' lack of defensive depth is inarguable, and a lengthy layoff for Van de Ven would leave Ange Postecoglou down to the bare bones at the back.

The rumour mill has not been whirring for Tottenham regarding a January move for a centre-back just yet - expect that to change after Van de Ven's injury - but HITC claims that Red Bull Salzburg's Samson Baidoo is admired by the North London giants.

The 20-year-old stands at 6ft 3in tall and is an Austria Under-21 international, but he is also believed to be admired by Newcastle United and Manchester City and has a contract with Salzburg until 2027.

It remains to be seen how long Van de Ven is missing for, but for the time being, Dragusin can surely look forward to an extended partnership with Romero, starting with Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

With an EFL Cup spring in their step, Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action on Sunday, welcoming Aston Villa to their North London home.

Ange Postecoglou's side produced the upset of the last 16 in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, besting Manchester City 2-1 to set up a quarter-final showdown with their bitter rivals Manchester United.

That shock success versus Pep Guardiola's side was the perfect response to a chastening 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, a result that left Spurs in a mediocre eighth place in the Premier League table.

Here, Sports Mole wraps up the latest injury and suspension news for Spurs ahead of the visit of Villa, who were eliminated from the EFL Cup with a 2-1 home loss to Crystal Palace in midweek.

Micky van de Ven

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Micky van de Ven was inconsolable as he came off with another hamstring injury in the win over Man City, as he memorably spent weeks out with a similar issue last season. The severity of his issue has not yet been determined, but he will definitely miss out here.

Son Heung-min

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: November 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Son Heung-min was not risked for the visit of Man City due to his own thigh complaint, but Postecoglou is crossing his fingers that his captain will be fit and firing this weekend.

Djed Spence

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: November 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Similarly, Djed Spence could be back in Spurs training this week as he steps up his recovery from a groin strain, and he will push to make the matchday squad on Saturday.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert had just recovered from one hamstring problem before being struck by a "serious" setback in the same area, and the ex-Burnley man is set for another spell on the sidelines.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match.

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