Tottenham helpless after Micky van de Ven injury risk even after Ange Postecoglou warning

Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur might be facing a potentially problematic situation involving Micky van de Ven after a significant decision was made. Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, the 23-year-old has become an essential part of Spurs’ defense. His remarkable speed has been a crucial asset, helping him recover quickly in challenging situations.

While Tottenham’s defense isn’t yet completely solid, Van de Ven has formed a formidable partnership with Cristian Romero in front of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. His versatility has also proven valuable, as he’s filled in at left-back on several occasions, especially when Destiny Udogie was sidelined by injury.

Despite his natural position as a central defender, Van de Ven has showcased his adaptability, making him a key figure in Tottenham’s defense.

However, Van de Ven has had his own struggles with muscular injuries, which has led Postecoglou to be cautious with him. Earlier in the season, Van de Ven was left out of a match against Newcastle to avoid exacerbating a minor injury.

Postecoglou emphasized the need to manage the player’s fitness carefully, especially when using him as a left-back.

He stated, “I’ve been mindful of Micky. He’s had a couple of injuries, and I’ve got to be careful with him when it comes to the demands of playing left-back in our system. I’ve got to think about the future because the physical demands are different at left-back.”

Despite his preference to play in the center of defense, Van de Ven has been called upon to play at left-back for the Netherlands national team.

With Nathan Aké and Jurrien Timber both sidelined due to injuries, Van de Ven was chosen to start at left-back in the Nations League match against Hungary. His performance in that match further solidified his place in the squad, and he could very well continue playing in that position as the Netherlands prepare to face Germany.

This situation could cause concern for Postecoglou, given his earlier statements about managing Van de Ven’s workload at left-back. The fear of Van de Ven sustaining a more serious muscular injury is understandable, especially as he continues to play out of position in high-stakes international matches.

As the Dutch national team moves forward, Van de Ven might find himself frequently deployed on the flank, despite his clear preference for playing in central defense. With Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij occupying the center-back positions, Van de Ven may have to settle for playing left-back in the short term.

However, considering that Van de Ven is nearly a decade younger than both Van Dijk and De Vrij, his future as a central figure in the Netherlands defense seems promising. It’s likely that as the team evolves, Van de Ven will eventually transition into a central role, where he feels most comfortable.

After a training session with the national team, Van de Ven acknowledged his current situation, saying, “My favorite position is center-back, but with Nathan Aké and Jurrien Timber injured, I hope to fill in at left-back for now.”

For Postecoglou, the international break presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s beneficial for his players to stay sharp by playing competitive matches. On the other hand, the risk of injury is always a concern, especially for a player as crucial to Tottenham’s defense as Van de Ven.

The Spurs boss will undoubtedly be hoping that Van de Ven returns from international duty unscathed and ready to continue his impressive form for the club.

The ongoing balancing act between maximizing player utility and safeguarding their long-term fitness is a challenge for any manager, and Postecoglou will be keenly aware of the risks associated with Van de Ven’s heavy involvement in the Dutch national team.

With the demanding schedule of both club and international football, keeping key players like Van de Ven healthy will be essential to Tottenham’s ambitions this season.

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