Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Micky Van de Ven was only struggling with cramp in the latter stages of the Man United match this evening, rather than anything more serious.
It was a hearts-in-mouth situation for Spurs fans everywhere when the Netherlands international went down holding his leg, towards the end of what was only his first start back from a long-term injury.
The central defender attempted to play through the pain, but was forced off a couple of minutes later, replaced by Emerson Royal. Fortunately, Van de Ven was able to walk himself off the pitch and took a seat on the bench to watch the rest of the game.
Micky Van de Ven had cramp against Man United
Postecoglou has now confirmed what we assumed about the issue, stating that Van de Ven was suffering from cramp and nothing more sinister.
With Cristian Romero also making his return this evening against the Red Devils, Tottenham will be hoping to keep their two first-choice centre-backs fit for the rest of the season.
On Van de Ven, Postecoglou said (Football London): “He wasn’t struggling. He was tired because he got cramp.”
He added: “Yeah, it was pretty clear I thought. It was cramp and I don’t know what that’s like. I haven’t had cramp for a long, long while. He gave everything and it’s a credit to him.
“He’s worked hard on his rehab and you never know what the right time to throw them back in is, until they play you don’t know how they’re going to get through.
“He was feeling really good about things, really confident and in a tough place against some pretty quick opponents where all of those things are tested I thought he passed it all with flying colours.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
Having Micky Van de Ven back fit is a huge boost for Tottenham and the squad will only get stronger and stronger over the next few weeks with so many returning players on the horizon. Exciting times ahead for Spurs!
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
