Tottenham are hoping to welcome a number of injured players back after the international break as they look to lift themselves off the bottom of the Premier League, though a defensive crisis could be brewing for the crunch clash with Manchester United.
A winless start to the campaign has left Spurs bottom of the table heading into the international break, with the absence of Pedro Porro and other key players adding to their struggles. As Roberto De Zerbi prepares to visit Old Trafford in search of a much-needed three points, he may be able to bring some long-term absentees along.
Micky van de Ven injury latest
Tottenham suffered a new scare on Sunday night when captain Micky van de Ven was forced off late during the Netherlands' Nations League win over Serbia in Belgrade. The centre-back accidentally had his hand stepped on by Luka Jovic and could not continue, leaving the Netherlands to see out the match with 10 men as they had already used all of their substitutions.
The sight of Van de Ven going off injured will have been hugely concerning for Spurs fans, though Dutch boss Xavi confirmed afterwards that it was not a serious problem. "He's ok, he felt dizzy because he suffered with his finger. It's not a big injury," Xavi said.
Pedro Porro and Jan Paul van Hecke updates
Pedro Porro withdrew from Spain's squad for this international break after picking up a hamstring injury against Aston Villa last month. The right-back lasted just 19 minutes before being forced off, with reports suggesting he is set for a month on the sidelines. He has spent the break working with coaches in Spain to build his fitness back up, and it is hoped he can return before the end of October.
Jan Paul van Hecke is the newest addition to the injury list after picking up a foot injury while representing the Netherlands. He was stamped while facing Serbia but went on to complete 90 minutes. However, the injury flared up during an open training session the next day and he subsequently withdrew from the squad.
Xavi explained: "During the match against Serbia, someone stepped on him. He didn't realise it during the match, but afterwards it was impossible for him to play. He really wanted to try, but he was in a lot of pain. That is why we decided to take him off the list. He tried to participate in recovery training (on Tuesday). He tried again today, but he couldn't touch the ball." It remains to be seen how severe his injury is or when he might return.
Kulusevski, Mudryk, Simons and Odobert
Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski is closing in on a return to competitive play after spending a full year on the sidelines with a patella injury. He is now back in first-team training and has been since September. De Zerbi has said the international break will be a good opportunity for him to build his fitness back up, with a return hoped for in the coming weeks.
Mykhailo Mudryk made a surprise loan move from Chelsea to Tottenham on Deadline Day, but has been limited to just a single competitive appearance. He picked up an ankle injury in training in early September which De Zerbi has described as "stupid". He returned to Chelsea to recover and is expected to spend eight weeks on the sidelines, missing the trip to Old Trafford but potentially returning before the month is out.
Xavi Simons is in recovery after undergoing surgery on a ruptured ACL over the summer. He has stepped up his recovery and is said to be progressing well, but he is not expected to touch the pitch until the new year. Wilson Odobert has been sidelined since February after undergoing surgery on a ruptured ACL in his left knee. He is said to be in the latter stages of his recovery and could return to the pitch as early as November.
