Why Tottenham can breathe sigh of relief as Micky van de Ven and Van Hecke injury latest drops

Tottenham Hotspur have learned more about the injury status of both Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke.

The central defensive duo jetted off for the extended international duty with the Netherlands.

They both had the chance to work with Xavi in his first outings as Oranje head coach.

The Spaniard had previously been linked with a North London switch, so it was a look into what could have been.

Things haven't exactly worked out as the Spurs men would have wanted.

Van de Ven and Van Hecke have both had injury problems, but what is the latest?

Will Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke be ready to face Manchester United?

There have been so many fitness problems at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the years.

Recent months have been no different.

That frustration has now continued onto the international stage with the two Dutchman facing individual problems.

Van Hecke was stood on away to Serbia last Sunday, before Van de Ven was forced off against the same opponent exactly a week later.

Worry was rife in N17 as a result, but it seems everything is ok.

Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported on Monday that both could return in Spurs' next fixture against Manchester United.

Tottenham can "expect" Van Hecke on the pitch "soon", while Xavi has spoke out to confirm the state of Van de Ven.

He said: "He's ok, he felt dizzy because he suffered (an injury) in the finger, it's not a big injury."

That will be music to the ears of Roberto De Zerbi as he goes in search of his first Premier League win of the season.

Why Tottenham truly need van de Ven vs Man United

Things may not be going well for the Lilywhites right now, but just over a year ago, they faced the Red Devils in Bilbao.

That was the last time the North London club secured victory over United, and Van de Ven was key.

The centre-back started and arguably made the difference between victory and defeat.

His goal-line clearance is iconic and capped off an excellent performance.

The then-24-year-old put up eight defensive actions including six clearances and two blocks.

Not a single Man United player dribbled past him, while he also failed to be dispossessed.

Van de Ven also maintained a 100 per cent pass accuracy as he showed his quality with the ball at his feet.

That sort of quality and performance level is needed once again, so learning that he should be fit to play at Old Trafford is massive.