Spurs squad boosted as key defenders close in on return | OneFootball

Spurs Injury Update: Key Players Nearing Return for Crucial European Tie

Squad Boost as Spurs Prepare for Knockout Clash

Tottenham’s injury list has been a recurring theme of their season, a subplot that has threatened to derail their campaign at crucial moments. However, as the knockout stages of the Europa League approach, Ange Postecoglou finally has some reasons to be optimistic.

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Spurs travel to AZ Alkmaar for their last-16 first-leg tie on Thursday, a fixture that comes at a defining stage of their season. Postecoglou’s men have battled inconsistency, but with key players edging closer to full fitness, there is a renewed sense of optimism.

An eight-day break between fixtures has allowed extra time for recovery, and several absentees could return just in time to give Spurs a much-needed lift.

Van de Ven Nearing Comeback but Caution Remains

Micky van de Ven has become synonymous with Spurs’ defensive struggles this season—not because of his performances, but because of his absence. His hamstring issues have forced the club into a cautious approach, ensuring he does not suffer a recurrence.

Now, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. The Dutchman is in contention for a return this week, though Postecoglou has tempered expectations, stating Van de Ven has only an “outside chance” of featuring against AZ Alkmaar.

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“The first European game I’d say outside chance but certainly [he will] be back training fully by then and then we’ve got Bournemouth and I reckon much better odds for that,” Postecoglou explained.

If he does not feature in Europe, he is expected to be available for Spurs’ Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Potential return date: March 6 (vs AZ Alkmaar) or March 9 (vs Bournemouth)

Romero Closing in on a Return

Cristian Romero’s absence since December has left Spurs without their most dominant centre-back presence. His quad injury has taken longer to heal than initially anticipated, with Postecoglou describing his recovery as a “slow burner.”

Like Van de Ven, Romero is back in training and could return this week. Postecoglou remains cautious, acknowledging he also has an “outside chance” for Alkmaar but is more likely to feature against Bournemouth.

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“With Romero and Van de Ven that’s the plan at this stage,” Postecoglou said. “We’ve a little window where hopefully we can get something into them and still got two European games and three Premier League games between now and the international break, so I really want them up and running by then.”

Potential return date: March 6 (vs AZ Alkmaar) or March 9 (vs Bournemouth)

Solanke’s Recovery Ahead of Schedule

Dominic Solanke’s knee injury, sustained in training in January, was initially expected to sideline him for six weeks. Now, the £65 million summer signing is progressing faster than expected, but Spurs remain wary of rushing him back.

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Postecoglou has hinted that while he could be available this week, caution will dictate the club’s approach. “Dom’s the only one where we’ve got to be careful because he’s ahead of schedule, so I don’t want to push that in case we need to pull the reins in a bit,” he said.

Potential return date: March 6 (vs AZ Alkmaar) or March 9 (vs Bournemouth)

Richarlison and Davies Set for Returns

Richarlison’s calf injury, sustained in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Liverpool, has kept him out for several weeks. But the Brazilian forward is now expected to be in contention for one of Spurs’ two fixtures this week.

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Similarly, Ben Davies has missed the last three matches with an unspecified knock. Postecoglou had hoped he would return against Manchester City last week but opted not to risk him. Davies is expected to return against AZ Alkmaar.

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Potential return dates: March 6 (vs AZ Alkmaar) or March 9 (vs Bournemouth)

Dragusin’s Season Is Over

Radu Dragusin underwent surgery on a serious knee injury last month and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. His return will not come until the next campaign.

Potential return date: Next season

Spurs Look to Turn Season Around

Postecoglou’s first season in charge has been a mixture of promise and frustration. At their best, Spurs have been thrilling, yet injuries have consistently interrupted their momentum. With several key players returning, the hope is that they can finish the campaign strongly, potentially salvaging silverware from what has been a challenging season.

The return of Van de Ven and Romero, in particular, could be game-changing for Spurs’ defensive stability, while Solanke and Richarlison will provide more firepower up front. As they prepare to face AZ Alkmaar, the timing of these returns could not be more significant.