.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp&quality=75 "Spurs injury update: Van de Ven, Van Hecke, Porro latest return dates - London Evening Standard")
Spurs facing a potential defensive crisis for crunch Manchester United clash
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Tottenham are hoping to welcome a number of injured players back into the fold after the international break as they look to lift themselves off the bottom of the Premier League, though a defensive crisis could be brewing.
A chastening, winless start to the campaign has left Spurs dead last in the table heading into this international break, but they have not been helped by the absence of Pedro Porro and some of his team-mates.
But as Roberto De Zerbi gets set to visit Old Trafford in search of a much-needed three points, he may be able to bring some long-term absentees along for the ride.
With that in mind, here is all the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates.
Micky van de Ven was forced off late for the Netherlands in Serbia
AFP/Getty
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham suffered a new scare on Sunday night when captain Micky van de Ven was forced off late on during the Netherlands’ Nations League win over Serbia in Belgrade.
The centre-back accidentally had his hand stepped on by Luka Jovic and could not continue, leaving the Netherlands to see out the match with 10 men as they had already used all of their allotted substitutions.
The sight of Van de Ven going off injured will have been hugely concerning for Spurs fans, though Dutch boss Xavi confirmed afterwards that it was not a serious problem.
“He’s ok, he felt dizzy because he suffered with his finger. It’s not a big injury,” Xavi said.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Manchester United (A)
Pedro Porro
Getty
Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro withdrew from Spain’s squad for this international break after picking up a hamstring injury against Aston Villa last month.
The right-back lasted just 19 minutes before being forced off, with reports suggesting he is set for a month on the sidelines.
He has spent the international break working with coaches in Spain as he bids to build his fitness back up.
After three weeks of rest and recuperation, it is hoped he will be able to return before the end of October.
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Potential return date: October 19 vs Coventry (H)
Jan Paul van Hecke
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Jan Paul van Hecke
Jan Paul van Hecke is the newest addition to the injury list after he picked up a foot injury while representing the Netherlands.
He was stamped while facing Serbia but went on to complete 90 minutes. But the injury flared up during an open training session the next day and he subsequently withdrew from the squad.
Xavi explained: “During the match against Serbia, someone stepped on him,” the new Netherlands boss said before the game against Greece.
“He didn’t realise it during the match, but afterwards it was impossible for him to play.
“He really wanted to try, but he was in a lot of pain. That is why we decided to take him off the list.
“He tried to participate in recovery training (on Tuesday). He tried again today, but he couldn’t touch the ball.”
It remains to be seen how severe his injury is or when he might return.
Potential return date: Unknown
Dejan Kulusevski
AFP/Getty
Dejan Kulusevski
Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski is finally closing in on a return to competitive play after spending a full year on the sidelines with a patella injury.
A lengthy recovery has seen him undergo multiple procedures and suffer a variety of setbacks, but he is now back in first-team training and has been since September.
De Zerbi has said the international break will be a good opportunity for him to build his fitness back up, and it is hoped he can return to the pitch in the coming weeks.
Tottenham, though, are being very cautious with him as they look to ease him back into professional play and avoid another reinjury.
Potential return date: October/November
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mykhailo Mudryk made a surprise loan move from Chelsea to Tottenham on Deadline Day, but has been limited to just a single competitive appearance.
He picked up an ankle injury in training in early September which De Zerbi has described as “stupid”. He returned to chelsea to recover, and is expected to spend eight weeks on the sidelines.
That means he will miss this week’s trip to Old Trafford, but could return before the month is out.
Potential return date: October 31 vs Crystal Palace (H)
Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons is in recovery after undergoing surgery on a ruptured ACL over the summer.
He has stepped up his recovery and is said to be progressing well, but he is not expected to touch the pitch until the new year.
Potential return date: Early 2027
Wilson Odobert
Wilson Odobert has been sidelined since February after undergoing surgery on a ruptured ACL in his left knee.
He is said to be in the latter stages of his recovery process and could return to the pitch as early as November.
Potential return date: Late November
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