SaqTottenham will be hoping to have a near-full-strength squad when they return from the first international break of the new season with a home north London derby against Arsenal.
It was a mixed start to the last Premier League campaign for Spurs, who were extremely profligate in a disappointing draw against newly-promoted Leicester on the opening weekend before beating Everton 4-0 and then being eliminated by Newcastle at St James’ Park.
The calendar expands considerably for Ange Postecoglou’s side this month, with the Carabao Cup and Europa League also added to the mix with Coventry and Qarabag on the schedule as well as Arsenal, Brentford and Manchester United in the Premier League.
Here’s all the latest injury news from Tottenham as they prepare to host the Gunners in the derby…
Micky van de Ven
The Dutch centre-back started for Spurs against Leicester and Everton but suffered a knee problem in the latter game – which he finished.
Van de Ven was then absent against Newcastle as Radu Dragusin stepped in to partner Cristian Romero in central defence, although Postecoglou said he was almost selected and had been training in the days leading up to the game on Tyneside.
“Micky was close, he trained this week, but he’s not 100 per cent yet. Part of me wanted to give Radu a chance as well, especially at this stage, so we went for Radu,” the manager said.
“It’s nothing serious, we have a busy schedule after the international break. We’re going to need all four of our defenders, so playing Radu is positive for us.”
Van de Ven was not in the Netherlands squad for their opening Nations League games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany, replaced in Ronald Koeman’s squad by Brighton counterpart Jan Paul van Hecke, so based on Postecoglou’s comments he should be on course to face Arsenal, assuming there are no setbacks between now and then.
Potential return date: Sunday, September 15, vs Arsenal (home)
Dominique Solanke
Tottenham’s £65million major summer signing played the full 90 minutes on his Leicester debut but missed the games against Everton and Newcastle after suffering an ankle problem at the King Power Stadium.
Ahead of the Newcastle game, Postecoglou said of the former Bournemouth striker: “Dom is close but we’re going to be a bit cautious with him, we’ve got a big programme after the international break so he’ll be missing on Sunday.”
It is not yet known whether Solanke will be fit to face Arsenal, but the fact he came close to being involved against Newcastle suggests he could have a part to play this weekend.
Potential return date: Sunday, September 15, vs Arsenal (home)
Richarlison
Solanke’s absence at Newcastle has been compounded by that of fellow striker Richarlison, who remained at the club this summer despite increased competition for places in attack.
The Brazilian came on late in the game at Leicester and earlier against Everton but was not involved at all in the North East after suffering an unspecified injury in training which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks.
“The only other player we had in midweek was Richarlison, who unfortunately got injured in training so he’ll probably miss the next few weeks,” Postecoglou said ahead of the Newcastle clash.
He may have to wait until the end of the month to return, with Spurs taking on Qarabag in the Europa League on September 26 before travelling to face Manchester United at Old Trafford three days later.
Potential return date: Later September
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