Micky van de Ven will make his return for Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. The defender played his last match in early December and has been unavailable due to a hamstring injury. His manager, Ange Postecoglou, confirmed that he will play a significant role in the Europa League match against Elfsborg.
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Micky van de Ven is set to make his much-anticipated return for Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, January 30, in a crucial Europa League encounter against IF Elfsborg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The match, kicking off at 21:00, marks a significant moment for both the Dutch defender and the team, as they look to regain stability at the back and secure an important victory in their European campaign. Van de Ven has been sidelined since early December due to a hamstring injury, and his absence has been deeply felt by the Spurs defense. Now, after weeks of rehabilitation and training, he is ready to take the field again, with manager Ange Postecoglou confirming his involvement in the upcoming match.
The 22-year-old defender suffered his injury on December 8, in a high-intensity Premier League clash against Chelsea. With only ten minutes left on the clock, Van de Ven pulled up in discomfort, forcing Tottenham to make a late substitution. What initially seemed like a minor setback turned into a lengthy spell on the sidelines, keeping him out for 13 games across all competitions. During that period, Tottenham struggled for consistency, winning only five matches without their pacey and composed center-back. His absence highlighted the impact he had made in his short time at the club since joining from Wolfsburg in the summer, as his partnership with Cristian Romero had become the backbone of Spurs' defensive setup.
Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Van de Ven has now fully rejoined training and is set to be included in the squad against Elfsborg. Postecoglou sees this match as a perfect opportunity for the Dutchman to get back up to speed and regain match fitness in a competitive environment. “Micky is ready,” Postecoglou stated in his pre-match press conference. “We’re going to give him some game time tomorrow. We’ll see how much we can get out of him. He has been training with the squad for a week to ten days now, and he is fit.” The Australian coach’s words signal not only Van de Ven’s return but also his importance to the team as they head into a crucial phase of the season.
Tottenham's upcoming fixture against Elfsborg carries significant weight in their European campaign. The North London club currently sits sixth in the Europa League standings and must secure a positive result to maintain their place in the top eight, which guarantees qualification for the next round. Their opponents, Swedish side Elfsborg, are ranked 20th, but Postecoglou has warned against underestimating them. Tottenham is determined to avoid any slip-ups and will aim for a commanding performance in front of their home fans.
The return of Van de Ven is particularly crucial given Tottenham’s defensive struggles in recent weeks. Without his speed and composure, the team has conceded unnecessary goals, often failing to maintain control in key moments. His ability to read the game, cover large spaces, and initiate attacks from the back has been a vital component of Tottenham’s style of play under Postecoglou. While he may not complete the full 90 minutes, the expectation is that he will gradually be reintegrated into the team to regain his sharpness.
Since arriving at Tottenham last summer in a transfer worth approximately €40 million, Van de Ven has quickly established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League. His early performances earned him widespread praise, with many highlighting his incredible recovery speed, confidence in possession, and ability to play out from the back. His partnership with Romero was instrumental in Tottenham’s strong start to the season, and his injury coincided with a dip in form for the team. Now, with his return, Spurs fans are hopeful that the defense will regain its solidity.
Beyond the Europa League, Tottenham will also be looking ahead to their domestic fixtures, with important Premier League matches on the horizon. The club remains in contention for a top-four finish, which would secure Champions League qualification next season. Postecoglou will be keen to have his strongest squad available as they enter a crucial stretch of the season. The return of Van de Ven not only strengthens the defense but also boosts the morale of the squad, which has had to cope with multiple injuries over the past months.
As Tottenham prepares for their match against Elfsborg, all eyes will be on Van de Ven to see how he fares in his comeback. While Postecoglou has made it clear that the Dutchman won’t be rushed into full action, his presence on the pitch will be a welcome sight for Spurs supporters. If he can quickly return to the form he displayed before his injury, Tottenham could once again find themselves in a strong position defensively, allowing them to push forward with confidence in both domestic and European competitions.
Updated: 04:15, 29 Jan 2025
