Romero, Van de Ven & Richarlison: Tottenham latest injury news and expected return dates
Tottenham Hotspur secured one of their most remarkable victories in recent memory with a commanding 4-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad.
However, as the team gears up for two critical home matches this week, concerns over a growing list of injuries loom large. Ange Postecoglou’s squad faces AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a Premier League clash against Fulham at the weekend.
Despite their recent success, the absence of key players continues to pose a challenge for the Spurs manager, particularly with lingering doubts surrounding the fitness of key defender Cristian Romero.
Cristian Romero remains a significant concern for Tottenham after missing the dominant win against Manchester City. The Argentine defender suffered an ankle injury during international duty against Peru, leaving the pitch early due to swelling.
Although Postecoglou expressed optimism about Romero’s potential return for this week’s matches, his participation is far from guaranteed, especially for the European fixture against Roma. His absence in central defense could prove pivotal, adding pressure on the squad’s remaining defensive options.
Micky van de Ven’s continued unavailability further exacerbates Tottenham’s defensive issues. The Dutch center-back has been sidelined for three Premier League matches due to a hamstring injury.
While he has resumed light training, Postecoglou revealed that his return is still weeks away, with hopes pinned on mid-December for his full recovery. This timeline suggests van de Ven will miss at least four more matches, leaving Spurs to navigate a congested schedule without their preferred center-back pairing.
Richarlison’s injury struggles have also left a noticeable void in Tottenham’s attacking options. The Brazilian forward, plagued by a series of significant injuries this season, has managed just one start.
Initial reports indicated a possible December return, but Postecoglou has since clarified that Richarlison will likely be sidelined until the New Year. The club remains cautious about his recovery, aiming to ensure a gradual return to avoid further setbacks.
Wilson Odobert’s debut season at Tottenham has been marred by persistent fitness issues. After recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in September, he suffered a recurrence that required surgery on November 15.
With no definitive timeline for his return, Odobert is expected to miss an extended period, further limiting Postecoglou’s squad depth during a crucial stretch of fixtures.
Promising young winger Mikey Moore faces a race against time to recover from an illness that kept him out of the Manchester City game. Despite returning to the training facility, Postecoglou has indicated that Moore remains doubtful for this week’s matches.
The club is adopting a cautious approach to his recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate availability.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur and Will Lankshear are set to miss some of Tottenham’s upcoming matches, though not due to injuries. Lankshear is suspended for the Europa League clash against Roma following a red card in the previous fixture against Galatasaray.
On the other hand, Bentancur is serving a seven-match domestic suspension for the use of a racial slur. While Spurs have appealed the severity of the ban, it applies only to FA competitions, making him eligible to feature in Thursday’s European tie.
With a packed schedule on the horizon, including ten matches over the next five weeks, Tottenham faces a critical test of their depth and resilience. The festive period demands consistency and adaptability, qualities that will be essential as they contend with injuries and suspensions.
The team’s recent victory over Manchester City showcased their potential when firing on all cylinders, but sustaining that level of performance will require contributions from every available player.
Postecoglou’s management has brought a refreshing approach to Tottenham’s style of play, but navigating the current injury crisis will challenge his ability to adapt and innovate.
The upcoming matches against Roma and Fulham offer an opportunity for Spurs to build momentum, but doing so will depend on their ability to manage key absences effectively. As players like Romero, van de Ven, and Richarlison work toward their respective recoveries, the rest of the squad must step up to maintain the team’s trajectory.
Tottenham’s recent form has inspired optimism among fans, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Balancing the demands of domestic and European competitions while managing injuries will be a significant test of the team’s character and cohesion. If Spurs can weather this storm, they have the potential to solidify their position as serious contenders in both arenas.
However, the path to success will require not only the brilliance of stars like James Maddison and Son Heung-min but also the collective effort of the entire squad to overcome adversity and maintain their impressive form.