The centre-back played the most minutes of any player in the squad last season and was busy representing the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup over the summer, featuring in three of their four matches as they were knocked out on penalties by Morocco in the Round of 32.
Despite linking up with his Spurs teammates for our tour of New Zealand and Australia, the 25-year-old hasn't played a part in recent friendlies against Auckland FC and Sydney FC and has been left out as a precaution whilst feeling the effects of fatigue.
Speaking in his pre-match interview on SPURSPLAY, our Head Coach provided the latest update: "Micky van de Ven also feels fatigue, but nothing important."
As for summer signing Mateus Fernandes, the midfielder introduced himself in some style with a stunning strike in our 1-0 win over MK Dons in the pre-season opener back at base and came on as a second-half substitute in Auckland on Sunday 26 July.
However, the 22-year-old was left out of our second tour friendly against Sydney FC last time out due to also feeling fatigue in his calf muscle. Roberto confirmed on Friday (31 July) that the Portugal international could play against Chelsea but doesn't want to take any chances.
"Mateus Fernandes can be available right now to play but we don’t want to take any risks with him," added the 47-year-old.