Micky van de Ven mistake made - Tottenham XI v IF Elfsborg

Ange Postecoglou has taken a risk by starting Micky van de Ven against IF Elfsborg on Thursday.

Postecoglou's side know that a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 30 January would secure automatic qualification for the next round of the UEFA Europa League, which is especially important as the club look to minimise their fixture list amid an ongoing injury crisis.

Therefore, Spurs must claim maximum points against their opponents from Sweden, especially with pressure mounting on Postecoglou as a shock Ryan Mason update emerges.

As a result, it isn't surprising that the Australian was keen to throw van de Ven back into the lineup, a decision confirmed via the club's official X account (30 January). However, this is a decision which could backfire.

Micky van de Ven returns for Tottenham V IF Elfsborg

Van de Ven hasn't completed 90 minutes for Spurs since a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday 27 October.

On that day, as per Sofascore, van de Ven completed 85 per cent of his passes and made three clearances, two interceptions and one tackle.

In addition, he won three of his four ground duels and four of his six aerial duels, and despite making the error which led to the Palace goal, his overall display demonstrated his importance to Tottenham.

The Dutchman is one of Spurs' most important defenders and players, and it is hard to blame Postecoglou for throwing him straight back into the team.

However, the 59-year-old previously defied medical advice to start the 23-year-old, which led to a long-term injury setback.

Therefore, supporters will be hoping that extra precaution has been taken on this occasion.

In other Tottenham news, the club have reached a "magic" Manchester City transfer agreement.

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