Tottenham face setback as defender Micky van de Ven remains a major doubt for the crucial League Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.
The Dutch centre-back’s fitness remains in question following a recurrence of his hamstring injury during Spurs’ recent 4-3 defeat to Chelsea. Having just returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Van de Ven was forced off late in the game.
Micky van de Ven a doubt for Tottenham vs Manchester United
After the game, Ange confirmed that it was nothing too serious with the Dutchman but the player has since then missed the Rangers and Southampton game. As per The Standard, he remains a doubt, with the club set to assess him further ahead of the game on Thursday.
Van de Ven’s absence has been a significant challenge for Tottenham this season. The defender has already missed 13 matches across three separate injury spells, including an eight-game absence after his initial hamstring issue in late October.
His pace, defensive composure, and ability to organise the backline have been sorely missed, particularly with fellow centre-back Cristian Romero also unavailable.
Spurs fans will remember Van de Ven’s influential display in Tottenham’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United back in September. The Dutchman’s standout moment came when he made a stunning run from the back all they through United’s midfield and defence before delivering a pinpoint assist for Brennan Johnson’s opener.
Adding to Tottenham’s woes, Van de Ven is not the only absentee ahead of this high-stakes encounter. First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined following ankle surgery, while Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, and Cristian Romero continue to recover from their respective injuries. In attack, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert remain long-term absentees, further depleting Spurs’ options.
With Manchester United determined to avenge their earlier loss and playing much better under new manager Ruben Amorim, Postecoglou will face the difficult task of fielding a depleted squad in a crunch cup tie.
If Van de Ven fails to make it, Archie Gray will be expected to continue play the role of a makeshift centre-back alongside Radu Dragusin.
