Tottenham captain Micky van de Ven went off late in the Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League win over Serbia on Sunday, and the Van de Ven finger injury is a small worry for Spurs ahead of the restart. The Netherlands coach says it is not a big one.
Both reports below agree that Serbia’s Luka Jovic stepped on his hand in a challenge. The Netherlands had used all their substitutes, so the defender could not be replaced and they finished with ten men.
What Xavi said about the Van de Ven finger injury
Netherlands coach Xavi gave an update after the game. “He felt a bit dizzy because he had pain in his finger,” he said, according to Voetbalprimeur (translated from Dutch).
The Standard quotes him with a similar line: “He’s ok, he felt dizzy because he suffered with his finger. It’s not a big injury.” You can read its Tottenham injury round-up.
What is still unknown
The comments on the Van de Ven finger problem come from the Netherlands coach, not from Spurs. We have not seen a Spurs diagnosis, and the club has not given a return date for the captain. The Standard lists 10 October at Manchester United as a potential return, but that is its own estimate, not a club statement.
Dutch outlet VI reports there is “relief” at Tottenham, who are not expecting Van de Ven to be sidelined for a long time, according to Sports Mole. Spurs have not issued a statement.
Until Spurs say more, the safest reading is that the injury is a concern but one the Netherlands coach does not regard as serious. We will update this piece when the club or the player speaks.
Related reading: Donley plays 77 minutes as Northern Ireland thrash Ukraine 3-0.
Do you expect Van de Ven to be fit for Spurs after the break?
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Do you think Van de Ven will be fit for the trip to Manchester United?