Tottenham Hotspur have faced persistent injury struggles throughout the season, with several key players spending significant time on the sidelines.
One of the biggest setbacks has been the absence of Dutch defender Micky van de Ven, who has dealt with recurring hamstring and thigh injuries.
Since his initial injury, van de Ven has missed an astonishing 32 matches across all competitions. While he has made brief returns, recurring setbacks have prevented him from regaining full-match fitness.
Doctor shares update on Micky van de Ven’s recovery
Dr. Rajpal Brar, an expert in physical therapy and sports science, has provided insight into the club’s careful handling of van de Ven’s recovery.
Given the defender’s history with muscle injuries and his high-speed playing style, Spurs are taking a measured approach to avoid further complications.
Dr. Brar indicated that while van de Ven could return before the season concludes, it is unlikely he will be at his best until the following campaign. The focus remains on gradually reintegrating him into the squad through controlled game time and bounce matches.
Speaking to Tottenham News, he said:
“They’ll be dealing with him very methodically considering his injury and reinjury history with the hamstrings along with the pace he plays at.
“Based on the comments, they are bringing him along slowly and it will take an extended time period of bounce matches and consistent games before he is close to 100 per cent.
“I would expect that more so for next season than this season even though he’s expected to be back way before the season ends.“
Van de Ven arrived at Tottenham from Wolfsburg in August 2023 for a reported €50 million, matching the club’s record fee for a centre-back. He made an instant impact in North London, scoring his first goal in a 1-0 win over Luton Town and later earning the club’s Player of the Season award.
However, the ongoing season has been frustrating for the Dutchman. He has managed just 12 appearances across all competitions, with only nine starts in the Premier League.
With Tottenham now focused solely on their Europa League campaign, ensuring van de Ven is fully fit for next season is a top priority. If he can stay injury-free, his presence will be vital in reinforcing Spurs’ backline and improving defensive stability for the next campaign.
