Tottenham face fresh defensive injury concerns ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Manchester United, with Roberto De Zerbi awaiting updates on Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Spurs are bottom of the table with just two points from five matches, making the visit to Old Trafford particularly important.
Pedro Porro is also sidelined, while Dejan Kulusevski has taken a significant step towards returning after more than 500 days without competitive football.
Van de Ven and Van Hecke injury latest
Micky van de Ven — Potential return: 10 October vs Manchester United
Tottenham's captain injured his left hand during the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over Serbia after Luka Jovic accidentally stepped on it.
However, Netherlands coach Xavi offered reassurance after the match.
“He’s ok, he felt dizzy because he suffered with his finger. It’s not a big injury,” he said.
Van de Ven could therefore be available at Old Trafford.
Jan Paul van Hecke — Return date: Unknown
Van Hecke suffered a foot injury during the Netherlands' earlier meeting with Serbia and subsequently withdrew from international duty.
Xavi revealed the defender was in a “lot of pain” and “couldn’t touch the ball”.
He has returned to Tottenham for assessment and remains a major doubt for Saturday.
Pedro Porro and Kulusevski return dates
Pedro Porro — Potential return: 24 October vs Chelsea
Porro suffered a hamstring injury just 19 minutes into Tottenham's 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa.
His expected four-week recovery could see him return against Coventry on 19 October or Chelsea five days later.
Dejan Kulusevski — Potential return: October or November
Kulusevski has not played competitively since May 2025 following a serious kneecap injury requiring two operations.
The Swedish international recently participated in a training match involving senior players and Tottenham academy opposition.
It represents an important recovery milestone, although Spurs are expected to manage his return cautiously.
Mudryk, Simons and Odobert recovery updates
Mykhailo Mudryk — Potential return: 31 October vs Crystal Palace
Mudryk suffered an ankle injury in training shortly after making his Tottenham debut on loan from Chelsea.
He is expected to recover towards the end of October but cannot face his parent club, making Crystal Palace a possible comeback fixture.
Xavi Simons — Potential return: Early 2027
Simons remains sidelined after rupturing his right anterior cruciate ligament in April. His recovery is expected to take approximately nine to ten months.
Wilson Odobert — Potential return: November 2026
Odobert is recovering from an ACL injury sustained in February. November remains the projected return window, although reports suggest he could be pushing to return earlier.
Key Points
- Micky van de Ven could face Manchester United after Netherlands coach Xavi downplayed his hand injury.
- Jan Paul van Hecke remains doubtful following a painful foot injury.
- Pedro Porro could return later in October after suffering a hamstring problem.
- Dejan Kulusevski has played in a training match after more than 500 days without competitive action.
- Mykhailo Mudryk, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined.
What's Next?
Tottenham will assess Van de Ven and Van Hecke before Saturday's trip to Manchester United. De Zerbi could turn to Marcos Senesi or Tosin Adarabioyo if Van Hecke is unavailable, while Porro and the club's longer-term absentees continue their recoveries.
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