Thomas Frank has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Manchester United, with key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both fit and ready to return.
Spurs head to Old Trafford in the weekend’s early kickoff clash, buoyed by last weekend’s impressive 2-2 draw against Manchester City, which had eased the pressure on their manager.
The 2025 Europa League winners had been dealing with an injury crisis for the majority of the campaign and faced the prospect of travelling to Old Trafford with just one fit senior centre-back. However, Frank can now call on his first-choice pairing for the clash.
Van de Ven has missed the club’s last two matches across all competitions with a minor issue, but he has now been declared fully fit.
Meanwhile, club captain Romero was forced off at halftime in last weekend’s draw against City after struggling with illness, but has recovered and is ready to start.
The Argentine defender had also made headlines this week after publicly criticising the club’s hierarchy for a lack of January transfer business amid their injury crisis.
“Most are ok. Micky trained today and is available for selection for Saturday. Romero, yes [he’s available]”, Frank said in quotes revealed by Football London during his pre-match press conference.
There is also a chance that England defender Djed Spence could feature in the clash against Manchester United. The 25-year-old missed the draw against City after sustaining a calf injury in training, and while a starting role is unlikely, he might be fit enough to feature from the bench.
“Djed is getting closer and is touch and go. There is a chance he could be available.”
Spurs remain without several key names, with the likes of James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentacur and Dejan Kulusevski all sidelined for the long term. However, Richarlison and Pedro Porro are expected to return by the end of the month.
Tottenham will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run against Manchester United to nine games across all competitions in Saturday’s encounter.
A win at Old Trafford would not only halt the hosts’ momentum but would lift Spurs further up the Premier League standings.
