Doctor casts doubt on key Tottenham player being fit to face Manchester City

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a daunting clash against Manchester City, fresh doubts surrounding Micky van de Ven’s availability have cast a shadow over their defensive prospects.

With the Dutchman still sidelined, Spurs’ vulnerability at the back continues to grow—a concern that could prove pivotal next weekend.

Tottenham’s defensive struggles worsen without van de Ven

Tottenham’s defensive frailty has been a recurring theme this season, often overshadowed by their attacking prowess under Ange Postecoglou.

The cracks in their backline, however, have widened since Micky van de Ven’s hamstring injury, sustained during a late October 2-1 win against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Van de Ven’s absence has proven costly. In the three games without him, Spurs have conceded four goals, with their defensive coordination noticeably shaken. While the Dutchman’s speed and composure have been crucial to Spurs’ attempts to play a high defensive line, his absence has exposed gaps that opponents have exploited with ease.

Hopes of his return after the November international break had initially offered some reassurance, but as the days go by, it is becoming increasingly clear that this timeline may be overly optimistic. With Manchester City, a team known for their relentless attacking pressure, awaiting them, Spurs face an uphill battle to shore up their defence.

Van de Ven’s recovery: A challenging road ahead

Fresh insights into van de Ven’s recovery suggest his return might still be some way off. Speaking to Tottenham News, Dr Rajpal Brar, a physical therapist and sports scientist, provided an expert assessment of the defender’s condition.

“This sounds like a higher Grade 2 or potentially even a standard Grade 3 hamstring tear, His return to training will be a progression of strength and mobility training combined with ramping up sport-specific activities, particularly sprinting. It seems unlikely that he’ll be ready right after the international break.”

This diagnosis has left Spurs fans bracing for more games without the Dutchman, whose absence has already magnified the team’s defensive issues.

With Cristian Romero also doubtful for the Manchester City clash, Tottenham’s backline is likely to be stretched to its limits against one of the most clinical attacking teams in the league.

The timing of this injury prognosis couldn’t be worse for Postecoglou’s side. A wounded City, eager to recover from recent hiccups, will pose a formidable challenge, and Spurs’ current defensive options may struggle to withstand the pressure.

A void Spurs cannot afford

Micky van de ven’s absence has been a hammer blow to Tottenham in recent weeks, which has exposed a lack of depth in a critical area of the pitch. His pace, positional awareness, and ability to recover in one-on-one situations are unmatched in Spurs’ current squad, leaving a glaring void that no one else has been able to fill.

Against Manchester City, the ramifications of his absence could be severe. City are known for ruthlessly exploiting defensive frailties, and Tottenham’s shaky backline, which has already conceded four goals in their last three games, could find itself overwhelmed by the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Brunye(should he start).

This situation underscores the urgent need for Spurs to identify and secure defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window—players who can emulate van de Ven’s profile and offer reliable cover when he is unavailable will be ideal.

Equally, it is vital that Spurs resist the temptation to rush the Dutchman back, as doing so risks long-term consequences that could derail their season further.

As they head into this critical encounter against City, Tottenham must find a way to adapt and remain competitive despite the odds.

Whether through tactical adjustments or sheer determination, Postecoglou’s men must rise to the occasion to avoid losing ground in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested Premier League campaign.

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