Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven ‘to feature for Tottenham v Bournemouth’
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both expected to play a part when Tottenham host Bournemouth on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou has been without Romero and van de Ven for the past few months.
Despite his lengthy absence, Romero was recently called up by Argentina for the March international fixtures, which Postecoglou is thought to be annoyed about.
Romero and van de Ven both returned to the matchday squad for Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday (6 March).
However, neither defender made it onto the pitch, although that is expected to change when Postecoglou’s side host Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday (9 March).
Romero and van de Ven ‘to feature for Tottenham v Bournemouth‘
Dominic Solanke was the only returning player to make it off the bench in the Netherlands, although that would end in tears as the striker picked up a fresh injury much to the concern of Spurs supporters.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou decided to hold back with Romero and van de Ven. However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – thinks both players will be handed minutes against Bournemouth on Sunday.
“I believe Postecoglou said his reason to not play Romero and van de Ven against AZ Alkmaar was due to the pitch,” Wenham said.
| Tottenham 2024/25 | Games missed through injury |
| Cristian Romero | 26 |
| Micky van de Ven | 28 |
“That is why he chose to keep them on the bench. Therefore, I think both will feature against Bournemouth, and I expect wholesale changes for that game. That isn’t just because Postecoglou will want to rotate and rest players.
“I think things need freshening up as well.”
Postecoglou needs to rotate for Tottenham v Bournemouth
Spurs’ game with Bournemouth is largely irrelevant in the context of their season.
Any hopes of finishing in a European position in the Premier League appear slim. Therefore, Spurs’ entire season and perhaps Postecoglou’s future in North London rests on the second leg clash with AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (13 March).
As a result, players must be rested for the upcoming match with the Cherries. However, giving Romero and van de Ven minutes to ensure they’re ready to start against AZ Alkmaar could prove wise.