Postecoglou wants to ease Van de Ven back gradually and rules out minutes against Liverpool

Micky van de Ven’s road to full fitness remains a key concern for Tottenham Hotspur, as manager Ange Postecoglou carefully manages his return following a hamstring injury.

The Dutch defender made his comeback last week in the Europa League match against Elfsborg, getting his first minutes on the pitch since his latest setback. However, despite successfully completing that match, the Australian manager has indicated that Van de Ven is still not ready for the full intensity of top-flight football. Given the physical demands of the Premier League, Postecoglou is determined to reintegrate the player gradually, avoiding any unnecessary risks that could lead to another spell on the sidelines.

Van de Ven’s injury struggles have been a major issue for Tottenham this season. The 22-year-old, who joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in the summer, initially made a huge impact with his pace, defensive awareness, and ability to carry the ball forward from the back. However, his campaign has been interrupted by injuries, most notably a hamstring problem that kept him out for a lengthy period. Just as he was beginning to regain fitness, he also suffered a minor knee issue, further delaying his full return. With these concerns in mind, Postecoglou has made it clear that he will not rush the Dutchman back into action.

"With Micky, and to a slightly lesser extent with Romero, we have to be careful," Postecoglou said during his press conference ahead of Tottenham’s upcoming League Cup clash against Liverpool. "Micky got through last week’s match well, but I don’t think he’s quite ready yet for the intensity of the Premier League. That’s another step up, and the same applies to Romero."

Cristian Romero, another key defender for Tottenham, is also being eased back into the squad after his own injury issues. The Argentine, a crucial figure in Spurs’ defensive setup, has missed several games this season, and like Van de Ven, his return is being handled with caution. Postecoglou is wary of pushing either player too soon, particularly with a demanding fixture list ahead.

Spurs’ defensive options have been stretched even further with the latest injury setback to Radu Dragusin, who was recently sidelined after suffering a knock. The Romanian center-back, who joined the club in the January transfer window, was expected to provide crucial depth in Tottenham’s backline. However, his absence has only increased the urgency for Van de Ven and Romero to return, though Postecoglou remains adamant that player welfare will come first.

"That’s exactly why we won’t rush things," the Australian coach emphasized. "I want them to be fully ready so we can avoid any setbacks. It’s important we manage these injuries correctly and don’t push players too soon just because we have gaps in the squad. They need to be 100% fit so that when they do come back, they stay back."

The shortage of defenders means that Postecoglou will have to make adjustments for the upcoming League Cup fixture against Liverpool. The game presents an opportunity for some of the squad’s less experienced players to step up, while also providing a potential debut for Kevin Danso. The Austrian center-back, who was signed from French side Lens in January, is expected to be involved in some capacity given the defensive crisis at the club.

Danso’s arrival was seen as an important move for Tottenham, particularly considering the recurring injury issues in the squad. The 25-year-old, who impressed in Ligue 1 with his physicality and ability to read the game, was brought in to provide additional depth and competition in the center-back role. Given the current situation, he may be thrown into action sooner than expected.

"We’ll see," Postecoglou said when asked about Danso’s potential debut. "Three days later, we have another important match against Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Whether he starts or comes on later, we’ll have to assess and make the best decision for the team."

Tottenham’s defensive situation remains a major concern as the club navigates a crucial period in the season. Injuries have disrupted Postecoglou’s plans on multiple occasions, and with key matches on the horizon, the manager will need to find the right balance between squad rotation and maintaining competitiveness. Spurs remain in contention for silverware, and their ability to manage injuries and keep their best players fit will be a defining factor in their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.

For now, Van de Ven’s full return will have to wait, as Tottenham prioritizes his long-term fitness over immediate availability. The Dutch defender remains a key piece in Spurs’ defensive structure, and the club will be hoping that when he does return to full action, he can stay fit for the crucial months ahead.