Tottenham have yet to truly get going in the 2024/25 season, as Ange Postecoglou continues searching for an element of consistency on the pitch through the first few months.
That task will now be infinitely harder as it feels likely that key defender Micky van de Ven could be out for some time after suffering what appeared to be a potentially serious muscle injury in Carabao Cup action.
The 23-year-old was forced off in a midweek match against Manchester City with what appeared to be a fitness concern, as fans now await further updates from the club on the situation.
The Sporting News brings you the latest on how long Van de Ven could be absent and how it will affect the Tottenham lineup moving forward.
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Micky van de Ven injury news, updates after Spurs defender subbed vs. Man City
In the 14th minute of Tottenham's match against Man City in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Micky van de Ven was forced off injured, replaced by Destiny Udogie at left-back.
The Dutch defender was tracking back to challenge City winger Savinho but grabbed his right leg after both players went to ground on the tackle. He appeared somewhat distressed as he came off the pitch and headed down the tunnel, stoking fears of a potentially long-term hamstring issue.
After the match, Ange Postecoglou was cagey on the situation, unwilling to expand much on the situation. "Micky felt something in his hamstring," the Spurs boss said. "I haven't got the full update on him but he definitely felt something and we'll see how he is."
The Sporting News will provide further updates after more information is revealed once scans have been complete and an assessment has been made.
Micky van de Ven injury history
A potential hamstring injury for Van de Ven is additionally troublesome for Tottenham given the player has a history with long-term muscle issues through his career.
He missed 14 matches for club and country in early 2022 while with German club Wolfsburg, and he missed a combined 16 games last season — his first with Spurs — due to a long-term hamstring problem (to the same right leg) that saw him sidelined for multiple months.
Last season's injury was especially frustrating as he attempted to return in early January but was forced out two months later for another four weeks.
Tottenham struggle without Micky van de Ven in lineup
Since Micky van de Ven joined Tottenham in the summer of 2023, the Dutch defender has not just been impressive to those watching his performances. He's also been statistically one of Spurs' most important players.
In 35 Premier League matches with van de Ven in the lineup, Tottenham have won 19 and drawn six for a 54% win rate. In 12 league games without him, meanwhile, Spurs have lost (6) more than they've won (5).
The defensive numbers are noticeably worse as well, conceding almost a half-goal more per match without his services than they do with him able to participate.
Tottenham in Premier League with and without Micky van de Ven
Numbers via Opta, as of October 30, 2024.
| With | Stat | Without |
| 35 | Games | 12 |
| 19-6-10 | W-D-L | 5-1-6 |
| 2.0 / 1.4 | GF / GA per | 1.8 / 1.8 |
| 11.4 | Shots Conceded per | 14.4 |
| 63.1% | Avg. Possession | 60.6% |
