Postecoglou shares when Romero and van de Ven are likely to return at Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou’s latest injury update on Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven is a positive one for Tottenham supporters.
Despite the mounting pressure on Postecoglou as a result of Spurs’ elimination from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the North London club are actually on something of a little run in the Premier League, having won back-to-back matches in the competition without conceding a goal.
Therefore, confidence should be high heading into their league clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday (22 February).
Postecoglou is expected to make just two changes for that clash as he continues to get players back from injury, although Romero and van de Ven remain unavailable. However, it looks as though the two defenders could be set to return for a key clash.
| Premier League | Position | Wins | Draws | Losses | GD |
| Ipswich Town | 18th | 9 | 3 | 13 | +12 |
| Tottenham | 12th | 3 | 8 | 14 | -27 |
Romero and van de Ven to return for UEFA Europa League
As reported by Football London (22 February), Romero and van de Ven are still a couple of weeks away from returning.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Ipswich, Postecoglou said, “There are no new concerns from last week and the other guys are ticking along well. We’ve got two games in quick succession in the league. It is a good opportunity to get some minutes for players.
“I’m hoping that Romero and van de Ven will be back around [the Europa League first leg], with Solanke and Richarlison not far behind.”
Romero and van de Ven are needed at Tottenham
Spurs are currently sitting 12th in the Premier League. Therefore, the chances of Postecoglou’s side qualifying for European football next season via their league position are incredibly slim.
As a result, it seems as though their only route into Europe is by winning the UEFA Europa League, with Spurs set to take on AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16. Therefore, it will be crucial for Postecoglou to have Romero and van de Ven available for that match, and any further matches the North London side play in the competition.
With very little left to play for in the league, fans likely wouldn’t be against resting the centre-backs and only playing them in Europe. However, first and foremost they need to get back on the pitch.
Once both players are back up to speed, expectations of both of them will be high as they look to make a difference for Spurs at the business end of the season.