Tottenham Hotspur fans have just been given a major update on the fitness of Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven ahead of the massive Premier League match against Manchester United this weekend.
Tottenham and their manager, Roberto De Zerbi, know they are facing a crucial clash against the Red Devils this weekend, as they lie bottom of the standings after five matches.
The fact that Spurs have two points and two goals having spent so much money in the summer clearly isn't good enough, and they need to turn a corner quickly if they are to achieve their ambitions of finishing higher in the league this season, and if De Zerbi is to keep his job.
The Italian isn't under huge pressure yet, but football is a results-driven business and if performances and results continue as they have been, Tottenham chiefs will have no choice but to axe the manager they have given a lot of responsibility to and thrown a lot of support behind in recent months.
Spurs are already set to be without key defender Pedro Porro against Michael Carrick's side, who are also struggling at the beginning of the campaign, and recently there have been doubts over two more of their starting defenders this term.
Jan Paul van Hecke withdrew from international duty for the Netherlands and worries were increased when manager Xavi said he was 'in a lot of pain', while captain Micky van de Ven hurt his wrist in Holland's 2-1 win against Serbia on Sunday night.
There were instant doubts over whether the duo would be fit to face United this weekend, and they would be huge misses given they have been De Zerbi's preferred centre-back partnership so far in 2026-27.
However, reliable Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof provided a positive update for Spurs fans on Monday morning, with the injuries for both players said to be 'not as serious as first thought'.
While neither player is definitely confirmed to be available for the trip to Old Trafford, Blaauwhof also says that neither has been ruled out and that there is 'relief' around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Relief for Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham haven't looked particularly solid this season so far, as shown by their 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa immediately before the international break, so it would have been a big worry to be going to United without Porro, Van de Ven and Van Hecke.
The latter duo's partnership is still building, but there are positive signs and the fact they are playing with each other at international level too is clearly a big advantage.
Playing Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo at the heart of the defence on Saturday would have been a concern, and De Zerbi will be delighted if he has his skipper available at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.
The Italian made no secret of his admiration for the Dutchman when he signed a new contract earlier this year, before then giving him the captain's armband.
Micky is one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us.
"He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am very happy that he has decided to continue his journey with the Club.
"We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future. His decision to sign a new contract shows his belief in what we are creating together."