Postecoglou reveals whether Spurs are being cautious with Micky Van de Ven
With Spurs set to face the formidable Manchester City this weekend, questions have arisen about Micky Van de Ven and why manager Ange Postecoglou remains cautious with his return.
Spurs’ defensive dilemma
Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive issues have been well documented in recent weeks, with injuries to both first-choice centre-backs, Micky Van de Ven and Christian Romero, leaving the squad stretched thin ahead of their visit to the Etihad. Van de Ven, who has been out since picking up a hamstring injury during a Carabao Cup tie in October, is yet to make his return to the pitch.
Fans had hoped that the Dutch defender would be fit enough to feature against Manchester City, especially with Spurs’ defence in desperate need of reinforcement.
However, Postecoglou confirmed in a recent press conference that Van de Ven’s return will not come until December, further fuelling questions about the cautious approach being taken with his recovery.
This decision to delay his comeback has raised eyebrows, particularly as the injury has become a recurring issue. Hamstring problems are notoriously tricky to manage, and while some may argue that Spurs cannot afford to be without their defensive lynchpin for much longer, the risks of rushing him back too soon are undeniable.
Ange Postecoglou explains cautious Micky Van de Ven approach
Addressing the situation, Ange Postecoglou shed light on the reasoning behind the club’s careful handling of Van de Ven’s recovery.
He told football.london: “You try to treat it as it is. We’ll get the advice from the medical team and the people working with him.
“I think there’s always a natural cautiousness with somebody who has a reoccurring problem but at the same time you don’t want to treat him with too many kid gloves around him because otherwise, he’s still go to go out there and play at some point.
“But it’s fair to say we’re taking all the appropriate steps and Micky will be a good judge of that as well and where he’s at.”
The recurring nature of the injury has inevitably heightened concerns, and Postecoglou’s words reflect an understanding of the stakes involved. It’s a situation that requires prudence, and Spurs are clearly taking no chances as they navigate this critical period of the season.
Why Spurs must tread carefully
Van de Ven’s absence has exposed the fragility of Spurs’ defensive setup, but rushing him back prematurely could spell disaster. Should his hamstring issues worsen, it would not only extend his time on the sidelines but could also derail Tottenham’s season, particularly given how integral he is to Postecoglou’s system.
The Dutchman’s pace and composure have made him a cornerstone of Spurs’ backline, and his influence cannot be overstated. While his return will undoubtedly bolster the defence, the situation also highlights the pressing need for a suitable backup. A defender in a similar mould to Van de Ven would help reduce his workload and provide stability in his absence, ensuring Spurs can maintain their defensive standards.
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