Ange Postecoglou provides Micky Van de Ven update after early exit in Chelsea vs Tottenham
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has offered a promising update on Micky van de Ven’s fitness after the Dutch defender was taken off late in Spurs’ defeat to Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur would’ve hoped to bounce into the final stretch of their campaign with a morale-boosting win, but instead, they suffered yet another frustrating result – this time against bitter rivals Chelsea.
The 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was their 16th loss of the Premier League season, leaving them languishing in 14th place and level on points with West Ham United, who sit just two spots below them.
It’s been a grim season for Spurs, with positives few and far between – but amid the doom and gloom, Ange Postecoglou has shared a welcome fitness update ahead of their home tie against Southampton on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou confirms Micky van de Ven fitness boost after Chelsea scare
During Thursday night’s 1-0 defeat, Micky van de Ven – who has only just returned from a long spell on the sidelines after missing 28 games – was substituted in the 88th minute.
He was replaced by full-back Pedro Porro, and with a crucial Europa League tie on the horizon, the last thing Tottenham fans need is their star defender sidelined.
Thankfully, Postecoglou has moved to reassure supporters over the Dutchman’s condition. Speaking to football.london, the Spurs boss said: “All good. Micky cramped up as [he] has not played 90 minutes for a while. Positive thing [is] he felt good apart from cramping up. Nothing significant coming out of the game.”
That’ll come as a relief to fans and the coaching staff alike, with van de Ven’s pace and presence at the back key to Spurs’ hopes of finishing the season strongly.
Spurs could rest key players against Southampton ahead of Europa League clash
Even with the positive update, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ange decides to leave van de Ven out of the starting XI this weekend.
With bottom-placed Southampton visiting north London and the Europa League quarter-final first leg looming on Thursday, squad rotation could be on the cards.
There’s every chance a few big names will be given the afternoon off, and van de Ven certainly feels like one of them – especially with his minutes still being managed carefully following his long lay-off.
Elsewhere, Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso and Richarlison all remain sidelined, with Postecoglou hopeful they can return in time for the second leg against Frankfurt.
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