Tottenham celebrated a big win in midweek, beating Manchester City 2-1 in the Carabao Cup to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, the win came with a major setback as defender Micky van de Ven was forced off the pitch in just the 14th minute of the game due to a hamstring injury.
The Dutchman’s distress was visible as he left the pitch cryingraising immediate fears about the extent of his injury.
Physio Scout, a trusted source X for injury analysis and updates, has now provided insight into Van de Ven’s status.
Expert analysis on Micky van de Ven’s injury
According to the expert, the injury likely resulted from intense sprinting and deceleration, which could have worsened a pre-existing hamstring strain.
Physio Scout suggests this may not be as serious as initially feared. Recovery times vary significantly depending on the type and severity of a hamstring injury.
If it’s just a case of oppression, van de Ven could be back in action within a week. However, if scans reveal a grade 1 strain, he may need two to four weeks of recovery, while a more serious grade 2 strain could see him out for six weeks.
He shared the following update:
“…There is a possibility that he also did hamstrings in the sprint/deceleration phase. Physio was seen testing his hamstrings.”
“Possible recovery times: if strained: less than a week. Grade 1: 2-4 weeks. Grade 2: 4-6 weeks…”
Micky van de Ven went off early with a hamstring injury in Spurs against Man City after a recovery challenge. He was seen in tears.
Before the game, he was seen feeling his right hamstring a bit, possibly indicating a strain he played through.
In the… pic.twitter.com/mTBYKpUYO9
— Physio Scout | Soccer Injury Analysis (@physioscout) October 31, 2024
Although the results of the scan are still pending, the assessment points to a minor problem, largely because the 23-year-old was showing signs of stress before the game.

The time has come for Radu Dragusin to step up
In the absence of Van de Ven, Tottenham will rely on Radu Dragușin as a central defensive option. The Romanian defender has had limited minutes this season, mainly due to the regular pairing of Cristian Romero and van de Ven.
Dragusin has been linked with a move due to lack of playbut now he has a valuable opportunity to step up and make an impact in the Spurs defence, showing his skills and potentially cementing his place under manager Ange Postecoglou.
As the Lilywhites face a busy fixture schedule over the coming weeks, Van de Ven’s recovery will be closely monitored.