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Spurs Injury Update: Key Players Eye Return Ahead of Europa League Knockout Stage

Tottenham Hotspur approach a pivotal stretch in March with lingering injury concerns that could define their Europa League campaign and Premier League top-four push.

After a winter-long injury crisis disrupted their momentum and added pressure on Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have seen some relief in recent weeks. However, crucial players remain sidelined ahead of their trip to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last-16 first leg.

Photo: IMAGO

Here is the latest Spurs injury update, including return timelines for key players.

Defensive Reinforcements Close to Comeback

Micky van de Ven

The Dutch centre-back has endured a stop-start season, managing only two appearances since suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester City in October. A setback against Chelsea and a cautious recovery approach have prolonged his absence.

Photo: IMAGO

While Postecoglou initially hoped for a return in time for the AZ Alkmaar tie, he has now indicated that Van de Ven is more likely to feature in the second leg, with a better chance of returning for Bournemouth in the Premier League beforehand.

“He should definitely be back for the second leg, there’s an outside chance for the first.”

Potential return date: March 9, vs Bournemouth (H)

Cristian Romero

Romero’s injury situation mirrors Van de Ven’s. The Argentine defender sustained a quad injury in December, attempting a premature return in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea. His recovery has taken longer than initially expected, but a positive scan last week suggests he is nearing full fitness.

Photo: IMAGO

Postecoglou has placed him in the same category as Van de Ven—an outside chance for Alkmaar, but a more realistic return against Bournemouth.

Potential return date: March 9, vs Bournemouth (H)

Attacking Concerns as Solanke and Richarlison Remain Doubts

Dominic Solanke

Solanke was expected to miss six weeks after sustaining a knee injury in late January, but Postecoglou has confirmed that his recovery is ahead of schedule. Despite this, he is likely to be managed cautiously.

Photo IMAGO

The £65 million signing is also grouped with Van de Ven and Romero in terms of return dates, with a slight possibility of featuring in Alkmaar but a greater likelihood of playing against Bournemouth or in the second leg at home.

Potential return date: March 9, vs Bournemouth (H) or March 13, vs AZ Alkmaar (H)

Richarlison

The Brazilian forward suffered a calf injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Liverpool and has been sidelined since. His timeline follows a similar pattern to Solanke, making him another doubt for Alkmaar but a probable returnee for the Bournemouth clash.

Photo IMAGO

Potential return date: March 9, vs Bournemouth (H) or March 13, vs AZ Alkmaar (H)

Davies and Dragusin Injury Timelines

Ben Davies

Davies has missed Spurs’ last two matches due to an unspecified knock but is expected to return in time for the first leg against AZ Alkmaar.

Postecoglou confirmed the Welshman was not risked against Manchester City to ensure he is fully fit for the demanding run ahead.

“This is a key period and I want as many players in the best possible condition. After this game, we have a seven-day break before huge fixtures, so there was no need to push him.”

Potential return date: March 6, vs AZ Alkmaar (A)

Radu Dragusin

Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin is out for the season after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury sustained against Elfsborg in the Europa League.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential return date: Next season