Netherlands Coach Xavi Eases Van de Ven Injury Fears for Tottenham
Tottenham have been handed an early boost over Micky van de Ven after Netherlands coach Xavi indicated the defender’s injury against Serbia is not serious.
Van de Ven suffered a hand problem during Sunday’s 2-1 Nations League win when Serbia forward Luka Jovic landed on him. The 25-year-old completed the match concern-free enough for Xavi to play down the incident after full-time, describing it as no major issue.
What happens next: Tottenham will still examine their captain when he returns to the club before deciding whether he is ready for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Spurs await their own verdict
The North London club will not rely solely on the encouraging update from the Netherlands camp. Their medical staff are expected to assess Van de Ven over the next few days, with the defender central to a side desperately seeking a response after a damaging start to the league season.
Tottenham are bottom of the Premier League after five matches, collecting two points from two draws and three defeats. Van de Ven has featured five times in all competitions this term.
There is already another defensive concern in the Dutch set-up. Jan Paul van Hecke withdrew from the Netherlands squad after sustaining a foot injury on September 27.
King backs captain Van de Ven
Van de Ven has grown into a key figure since joining Spurs three years ago, and former captain Ledley King believes he is suited to the leadership role.
King said Van de Ven’s responsibility is now to improve those around him as well as deliver his own performances. He highlighted the Dutchman’s pace and recovery defending, saying his ability to get back and extinguish danger has been evident over recent seasons.
The former England defender added that Van de Ven must now manage the group and bring the best from the team, but feels he has developed naturally into the job. King believes the centre-back leads through his actions and was the correct choice as captain.
Netherlands’ November test
The Netherlands lead Nations League Group A2 on eight points, level with Greece and three ahead of Germany in third. Their victory over Serbia closed this international window, with decisive group games against Greece and Germany scheduled for November.
