Tottenham star Micky van de Ven appears amped up for the huge Europa League last-16 second leg against AZ Alkmaar. The Netherlands international had not featured since late January before his cameo off the bench in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
In the December defeat to Chelsea, Van de Ven suffered a fresh hamstring injury on his return after a month out. He then missed a further seven weeks despite getting through 45 minutes without any issues in the 3-0 win over Elfsborg during the first stage of the Europa League.
As he was absent from the next two squads, questions over his fitness towards Ange Postecoglou began with the Spurs boss explaining the route that was being taken.
“We’ve had a few people externally looking at him and give him some more guidance and information, added to our stuff, which he can do differently around, not so much the injury, but to help his body adapt to the extreme athlete he is and can be,” the Spurs boss revealed in February.
“You always want to protect your assets and he is a major club asset and to protect his long-term career for the sake of a couple of weeks is worth it.” With Van de Ven coming on to replace Romero in the clash against the Cherries, both central defenders could be in a position to start against AZ, especially with Kevin Danso ruled out.
The January signing suffered a hamstring issue late into the weekend’s game and with Ben Davies only just back from a muscular problem of his own, it is likely either Romero and Van de Ven start in Europe or one of that duo is partnered by Archie Gray.
Having played less on Sunday than Romero, that could certainly be Van de Ven if Postecoglou was saving him to be ready from the off on Thursday evening at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. And the Dutchmen certainly appears keen to start for just the third time in four months judging by the video he posted to Instagram.
The video starts by showing Van de Ven accepting the applause from supporters before he comes onto the pitch around the hour mark. A number of key touches, runs and passes are included before the clip ends with his passionate celebration for Pape Mater Sarr’s goal and his own applause towards fans at full-time.
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- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
