'Quite confident': Ange Postecoglou reveals when Micky van de Ven can play again after latest injury blow

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says defender Micky van de Ven should be ready to play again after the international break. The 22-year-old was forced off against Aston Villa last weekend and will miss the game against Fulham at Craven Cottage. 

But Postecoglou said unlike in November when he missed two months, they expect him to be back after the international break if everything goes according to plan. The Tottenham boss said: "Yeah, they are the only two. Everyone else is sort of the same as last week. Micky, nothing too significant. He’ll miss tomorrow. But we’re quite confident if the recovery goes well with the international break, he shouldn’t miss too much more. 

"I think he came off at the right time to be honest. So while he misses tomorrow, it’s still positive. Richy, he trained today so we’ll just see how he pulls up. If he pulls up OK, he’ll probably be available."

Spurs could go fourth in the league with a win but Postecoglou is anticipating a huge battle for the points in west London. He added: "A tough one, particularly there at Craven Cottage. And Marco whatever team he has has them well organised, and he’s got them scoring some goals recently. 

"Their front three are a threat for sure so there are some obvious strengths there. But no different to last week for us. We have to play to our capabilities, but if we do and have that same sort of focus on our football then we’re going to be hard to stop." 

In other news, Spurs could be boosted with the return of Richarlison who missed the last two games but has been back training this week.