Tottenham pair Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke will be available for selection against Manchester United, Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed.
Van Hecke and Van de Ven suffered foot and hand injuries, respectively, while on international duty with the Netherlands. The defensive duo are both expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford, though De Zerbi says there is an “emotional aspect” to consider with Van Hecke after his wife gave birth to twins this week.
Porro still out, Kulusevski closing in
Pedro Porro is still out with a hamstring injury sustained during Spurs’ 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa. The 27-year-old travelled to Spain to see a specialist over the international break, but is still not ready to return to action.
Dejan Kulusevski is closing in on a return to action after more than 500 days out injured with a complicated patella injury that has required two separate surgeries. The Swedish playmaker returned to training after a minor setback and played in an internal 11-a-side friendly at the club’s training ground over the international break.
Maddison available despite setback
Spurs will continue to urge caution, but De Zerbi confirmed Kulusevski would travel with the squad in a support capacity in a similar role to the one James Maddison played before he made his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of last season.
On Maddison, De Zerbi admitted that while the England midfielder would be available, he had suffered a minor setback and had not been able to train free from pain at the start of this week.
Team news and absentees
Mykhailo Mudryk remains a few weeks away from returning from an ankle ligament injury, while Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are still long-term absentees.
Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Marmoush, Tel
Injured: Simons, Odobert, Mudryk, Porro
Doubt: Kulusevski
Time and date: 5.30pm BST on Saturday, October 10
Venue: Old Trafford
How to watch: Sky Sports
