Ange Postecoglou explains why Micky van de Ven was missing vs Brentford

Micky van de Ven has not made Tottenham’s matchday squad for their clash against Brentford this afternoon and Ange Postecoglou explains why the defender has been omitted.

Micky van de Ven is not in the Tottenham squad

Tottenham fans would have been delighted to see Micky van de Ven return from his hamstring injury on Thursday, with the Dutchman making his first start in nearly two months in the Europa League clash against Elfsborg after recovering from his hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old was eased back into action by Ange Postecoglou, playing just 45 minutes against the Swedish side before being replaced by Radu Dragusin at half-time.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites, the Romanian had to come off with an injury and there are now reportedly major concerns that the former Genoa man could be ruled out for the majority of the rest of the season.

Why Micky van de Ven did not play vs Brentford

The Netherlands international looked extremely sharp in his 45 minutes against Elfsborg, and many would have thus expected him to at least be named on the bench for Tottenham’s clash at the Gtech Community Stadium.

However, the former Wolfsburg man has not made the matchday squad and Postecoglou has now explained that he made the decision as a precaution.

The Tottenham boss told Sky Sports: “We’re just trying to manage his minutes, it is a quick turnaround and I spoke with the medical team and Micky to give him another week of training to be ready in another week.”

Postecoglou’s caution with Van de Ven is understandable

Postecoglou was perhaps guilty of rushing back both Van de Ven and Romero at the start of December, with both players picking up further injuries as a result.

The 59-year-old will thus be extra cautious this time to ensure that the pair get the time they need to recover fully as the last thing he needs is to lose either player again.

One would also imagine that Spurs head coach would be extremely keen for Van de Ven to start the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Liverpool later this week.

The post Ange Postecoglou explains why Micky van de Ven was missing vs Brentford appeared first on Spurs Web.