Romero, Maddison & Van de Ven: Spurs injury list and expected return dates ahead of Burnley tie

It’s a testament to how well Ange Postecoglou has done as Tottenham Hotspur manager that he has kept his team firmly in the hunt for the top four despite an injury crisis that would have crushed the momentum of many other teams.

No fewer than seven first-team players are currently injured while international call-ups will also prove a problem – key players will be away representing their countries at the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. As a result, the ranks are severely depleted ahead of the FA Cup third round tie against Burnley on Saturday evening.

With some players close to a return and others still stuck on the treatment table for the long haul, we’ve looked at all of the players who are currently out injured or away on international duty and the likely timetables they face on the road to either recovery or a return flight to London.

Cristian Romero (hamstring)

The Argentine defender has already missed several games this season thanks to injury and suspension, and will now be out for a few more after picking up a hamstring problem in the 2-1 win over Everton before Christmas. He has already missed two matches and will likely not be ready to feature again until the beginning of February, with the return fixture at Goodison Park the next time he will realistically be involved.

Micky van de Ven (hamstring)

One of the standout performers of the early part of the campaign, the Dutchman picked up a hamstring injury of his own in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea back at the beginning of November and hasn’t played a minute since – but the good news is that he is back in first-team training and may even feature against Burnley, although a lack of match fitness may see Postecoglou hold him back a little longer yet. His return will be a big boost for the Australian head coach going forward.

Ivan Perišić (cruciate ligament)

The veteran Croatian international has probably played his last game in a Spurs shirt – the anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained in September has likely ended his season and, with his contract up at the end of June, it is likely that he departs, with reports suggesting that the 33-year-old is set to return to boyhood club Hajduk Split.

Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring)

Sessegnon has yet to play a game this season and Spurs have kept details of his recovery close to their chest – but there have been reports that he is expected to return to training imminently, and that he could be available for selection again by the end of the month, which would be a huge help given the number of players missing down the left flank. The club have yet to officially comment on his return, however, so it’s possible that suggestions that he is ready to return are premature.

Manor Solomon (knee)

The Israeli international has been another long-term absentee thanks to a knee issue he suffered in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool at the end of September – but he is expected to be back around the end of January. Like Romero, the away game to Everton is likely the earliest opportunity for some minutes, although nothing is confirmed yet and he remains unable to train with the first team.

James Maddison (ankle)

The England midfielder was hugely influential for Spurs before he picked up an ankle problem which has sidelined him for the last nine league matches. Like Solomon and Romero, he is expected back in training around the end of the month, but as it stands he has had to settle for spending his unexpected winter break taking in the darts at Alexandra Palace – and presumably taking firm control of Christmas dinner.

Alejo Véliz (knee)

A recent addition to the queue outside the physio’s room, the 20-year-old Argentine striker scored his first Premier League goal against Brighton & Hove Albion towards the end of 2023 and celebrated by promptly getting injured just ten minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute against Bournemouth. Véliz is now expected to miss around two months, with early March an approximate return date.

Pape Matar Sarr (international duty)

Like Véliz, midfielder Sarr hobbled off the pitch against Bournemouth after feeling discomfort in his hamstring – but luckily for him, it tuned out to be no more than a scare and he has been passed fit to join up with the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. They play their opening group stage game against Gambia on Monday 15 January and if the reigning champions should make the final again, he will be absent until the final on 11 February. Guinea and Cameroon are their other opening round opponents.

Yves Bissouma (international duty)

The Mali midfielder is also set to join up with his national squad for the tournament in the Ivory Coast – his country will face off against South Africa, Tunisia and Namibia for a place in the knock-out rounds. It’s one of the tougher groups in the draw, so some Spurs fans may selfishly hope that the Malian team miss out on a place in the round of 16, which takes place from 27 January.

Son Heung-Min (international duty)

Spurs’ captain, leading scorer and perhaps their most important player of all, the forward will be representing South Korea in the Asian Cup – they begin their campaign with a group stage match against Bahrain on 15 January before taking on Malaysia and Jordan in what appears to be a favourable draw. South Korea are among the favourites to lift the trophy and Son will be away until after the final on 10 February if they achieve that.