Tottenham look set to be without Micky van de Ven for the next few weeks after he suffered a new hamstring injury against Manchester City. The Netherlands international felt the muscular tweak early into the Carabao Cup clash with Ange Postecoglou taking no chances and immediately bringing on Destiny Udogie to replace him.
Van de Ven was rather emotional moments after pulling up, but he later appeared in the Tottenham dugout during the second half. Though the expectation was he would be unavailable to face Aston Villa this weekend, there was hope it was not another serious issue, and now Postecoglou has eased any remaining concerns.
"The main one is Micky and he has sort of strained a hamstring. It is not too serious but probably after the international break for him," he admitted in a press conference on Friday.
"He was disappointed obviously. He was really looking forward to the game so he was a bit emotional.
"It is definitely not, knock-on-wood, a bad one like last time which kept him out for quite a while. He will work hard and the good thing is there is an international break in there which is an extra two weeks for us.
"So, hopefully, it means he doesn’t miss too much football." Based on Postecoglou's honest update, the Lilywhites will also be without him for the Europa League trip to Galatasaray next Thursday and their final Premier League clash before the November international break against Ipswich Town at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Van de Ven would have likely been rested for the European fixture in Turkey however, it will be a blow for him to miss those two domestic games. Beyond the next two-week pause, Spurs travel to the Etihad Stadium for another meeting with the reigning champions.
Given the task that awaits, Postecoglou will be keen for the 23-year-old to be back available however, he will not be rushed. Radu Dragusin proved he is more than capable in Van de Ven's absence and his performance against Pep Guardiola's side earlier this week has further showcased his ability.
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