Tottenham Injury Boost: Van de Ven Escapes Serious Hand Injury

Tottenham receive Micky van de Ven injury boost before Manchester United clash

Micky van de Ven has avoided a serious hand injury after Netherlands boss Xavi confirmed the problem is minor. The Tottenham captain went off late in the Netherlands' 2-1 Nations League win over Serbia after his left hand was accidentally stood on by Luka Jovic, but he is expected to be assessed in north London.

Fixture: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur — Premier League trip to Old Trafford
Van de Ven injury: Left hand stood on by Luka Jovic — two fingers strapped, later substituted
Post-match verdict: Netherlands boss Xavi says "It's not a big injury"
What's at stake: Tottenham are still searching for a first league win of the season
Return timeline: Van de Ven was already due back in north London after the Netherlands completed their Nations League schedule

What was said

"He's ok, he felt dizzy because he suffered with his finger. It's not a big injury."
— Xavi, Netherlands manager, after the 2-1 win over Serbia

The quote matters because it comes from the man who watched the incident unfold. Xavi's insistence that the problem is minor gives Tottenham a clear indication that van de Ven has avoided anything serious.

The dizziness mentioned by the Netherlands boss is likely a reaction to the pain of the finger rather than a separate issue. Tottenham's medical staff will still conduct their own assessment in north London, but the tone coming out of the camp is calm rather than alarmist.

Injury and availability

Roberto De Zerbi does not have a clean bill of health despite the positive news about his captain. Several key players remain unavailable for the trip to Old Trafford.

Micky van de Ven: Left hand stood on by Luka Jovic during the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia. Two fingers strapped, carried on, then came off. Early indication is not a major issue. Due back in north London for assessment.
Pedro Porro: Out with a hamstring problem that forced him to pull out of the Spain squad.
Jan Paul van Hecke: Left the Dutch camp earlier in the week with a foot issue suffered against Serbia.
Mykhailo Mudryk: Still missing with an ankle injury.
Xavi Simons: Continuing recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered last season.
Wilson Odobert: Continuing recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered last season.
Dejan Kulusevski: Out since May 2025 with a serious kneecap injury. Returned to first-team training as he works towards a comeback.

Why Van de Ven's availability is critical for De Zerbi at Old Trafford

Tottenham head to Manchester United without a league win this season, and losing their captain would have left De Zerbi staring at a genuine defensive shortage. The club is already without Pedro Porro and Jan Paul van Hecke, both defenders. Adding van de Ven to that list would have forced De Zerbi into a makeshift back line against a United side that will press aggressively.

Van de Ven is crucial because of his recovery pace and ability to carry the ball out from the back. Without him, Tottenham's defensive structure becomes more static and vulnerable to counter-attacks. His presence allows the midfield to push higher up the pitch, which is essential if Spurs are to control possession at Old Trafford.

The return of Dejan Kulusevski to first-team training is a separate boost, though he is not yet ready for a return. His creativity in the final third has been missed since his injury, but rushing him back for this fixture would be a risk. Tottenham must manage his rehabilitation carefully while focusing on getting a result with the players they have available.

Talking points

Should De Zerbi risk Van de Ven at Old Trafford if he is not 100% fit, or protect him for the games that follow?
Tottenham's defensive depth is now so thin that one more injury could force a midfielder into the back line — is that acceptable for a club with top-four ambitions?
Pedro Porro's absence leaves Spurs without their most creative full-back, so who fills that role and does it change the attacking shape?
Dejan Kulusevski's return to training is welcome, but rushing him back too early could risk another setback — how should Spurs manage his minutes?

What happens next

Tottenham travel to Manchester United for their next Premier League fixture, still searching for their first league win of the season. Van de Ven will be assessed by Spurs' medical staff upon his return to north London. The result at Old Trafford could shape the early mood around De Zerbi's tenure, and the availability of his captain will be a decisive factor in how Tottenham set up.

Frequently asked questions

Is Micky van de Ven injured for Tottenham vs Manchester United?

Van de Ven suffered a hand injury in the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia, but Netherlands boss Xavi said: "It's not a big injury." He will be assessed by Tottenham's medical staff.

Who else is out for Tottenham ahead of the Man United game?

Pedro Porro (hamstring), Jan Paul van Hecke (foot), Mykhailo Mudryk (ankle), Xavi Simons (ACL) and Wilson Odobert (ACL) are all unavailable. Dejan Kulusevski has returned to training but is not ready.