Tottenham’s defensive challenges this season have been exacerbated by the prolonged absence of Micky van de Ven, who has been out of action since late October due to persistent hamstring issues.
The Dutch centre-back made a brief return during Spurs’ 3–4 defeat against Chelsea earlier this month, only to aggravate his injury in the final stages of the match.
As a result, van de Ven has missed 15 games across all competitions, and his recovery timeline suggests that he may not regain full fitness until the next campaign.
Doctor gives latest on Micky van de Ven
Dr. Rajpal Brar, a sports scientist and physical therapist, has offered valuable insights into van de Ven’s condition. I
Dr. Brar explained that the defender’s recurring hamstring problems, combined with the physically demanding style of Ange Postecoglou’s system, put him at an elevated risk for further injuries.
While the latest setback was relatively minor, the player’s path to complete recovery will require an extended offseason and a sustained stretch of matches to rebuild his form and resilience.
Speaking to Tottenham News, the injury expert said:
“He now has a significant history of hamstring injuries and with his pace and Ange’s playing style that demands multiple bursting runs, he’s at risk for hamstring issues.
“He was on a minutes restriction already but the fact that he only had discomfort rather than something overt could be seen as a small positive.
“I wouldn’t expect him to be close to 100 per cent until he has a proper off-season to really address this and then he needs a stretch of games as well so it could be months.“
Van de Ven’s absence has been a significant blow for Tottenham, given his impactful performances earlier in the season.
Signed in August 2023 for a club-record fee for a centre-back, reportedly around €50 million, he quickly became a cornerstone of Postecoglou’s defensive lineup.
The Dutchman made his debut in Spurs’ opening match against Brentford and netted his first goal in a crucial 1–0 victory over Luton Town in October.
Known for his exceptional speed, clocking a Premier League-best 37.38 km/h, and defensive reliability, van de Ven was recognized as Tottenham’s Player of the Season for 2023–24.
This season, however, van de Ven has managed just 11 appearances, providing two assists.
With Spurs enduring a tough campaign, Postecoglou will be eager to reintegrate the defender. Prioritising van de Ven’s long-term recovery will be essential to fortifying Tottenham’s backline and revitalising their season.
