Tottenham Hotspur have managed to creep up in the Premier League top-4 race and are just one point behind rivals Arsenal in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot. It appears that 2024 has brought gifts for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who received promising news on the status of their summer signing Micky van de Ven.
Micky van de Ven’s return to the first team is imminent. Ange will make a decision whether to include him Friday’s squad or Manchester United baring any late setback. Maddison still assessing and probably Brentford more likely than United currently. Solomon close too #THFC
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) January 3, 2024
The Netherlands defender has been out of action for the last two months after picking up an injury in the 4-1 loss to Chelsea in November, but it seems that he is finally set to return. Spurs insider Paul O Keefe has reported that Van de Ven’s return to the first team is now “imminent”.
He also adds that it will be up to Postecoglou to decide whether to include the centre-back for Spurs’ upcoming FA Cup game against Burnley on Friday (5th January) or whether he wants to preserve him for the trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on January 14. O Keefe also claims that the 22-year-old should return to the squad for one of if not both, of these games “barring any late setbacks”.
This will be a major boost for the manager, who has had to accommodate full-backs like Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as center-backs in recent weeks.
Even though Tottenham might have received a boost in terms of a return for a key player, it is unlikely to impact their hopes to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window. The Lilywhites continue to be linked to a possible move for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin. Ange Postecoglou even hinted in an interview earlier in the campaign that he wants another centre-back in his squad.
That said, van de Ven is nearly guaranteed a place in the backline once he can return to full fitness. The 22-year-old defender, hailed as “lightning-fast” for his pace and recovery speed last year, helped Spurs maintain an impressive defensive record before his injury and helped them keep three clean sheets in 11 Premier League games before picking up the knock against Chelsea.
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