Tottenham Hotspur’s 23-year-old Dutch defender, Micky van de Ven, has faced a challenging season marred by recurring hamstring injuries. His initial setback occurred in early December 2024 during a Premier League match against Chelsea, where he sustained a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks. At that time, manager Ange Postecoglou anticipated that van de Ven, along with other injured players, would not return until January 2025.
Demonstrating resilience, van de Ven returned to training in late January 2025 and was available for selection in a Europa League match against Elfsborg. He was expected to start on the bench, with plans to ease him back into play to prevent any recurrence of injury.
However, in a recent Carabao Cup match against Manchester City on October 30, 2024, van de Ven suffered another hamstring injury. The injury occurred as he sprinted back to tackle City winger Savinho, leading to his substitution in the 14th minute. Visibly distressed, van de Ven left the pitch in tears, indicating the severity of the injury
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Medical experts have expressed concerns about van de Ven’s recurring hamstring issues. Dr. Rajpal Brar, a noted injury specialist, suggested that due to the player’s history of hamstring injuries and the demands of Tottenham’s high-intensity playing style, van de Ven may not regain full fitness until he has a proper off-season dedicated to recovery. This implies that he might not be at 100% until the next season.
The recurrence of van de Ven’s injury is a significant blow to Tottenham, especially considering their current injury crisis. The team has been grappling with injuries to several key players, including Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, and Richarlison. These absences have adversely affected the team’s performance, with Tottenham winning just once in 11 Premier League matches and currently sitting 15th in the league standings.
In van de Ven’s absence, manager Ange Postecoglou faces the challenge of restructuring the defense. Options include pairing Ben Davies with Radu Drăgușin or possibly deploying midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in a defensive role. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate upcoming fixtures, including a crucial match against Manchester United on February 16, 2025.
The club’s medical team will need to manage van de Ven’s rehabilitation carefully to prevent further setbacks. Given his importance to the squad, a cautious approach is essential to ensure his long-term fitness and availability for future campaigns.
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