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Tottenham remain uncertain over Micky van de Ven’s fitness, with Roberto De Zerbi hoping the defender can feature against Hoffenheim. Tottenham Hotspur face a degree of uncertainty regarding the fitness of key central defender Micky van de Ven ahead of their upcoming weekend fixture. According to a report shared by Last Word On Spurs on X, it remains unclear whether the Dutch defender is actively struggling with a physical issue or undergoing managed workload recovery. Despite the ambiguity surrounding his precise condition, head coach Roberto De Zerbi is hopeful of having Van de Ven involved in some capacity during this weekend’s match against Hoffenheim. The questions regarding Van de Ven’s physical readiness highlight the careful balancing act Tottenham face during their preparations. The Dutch international central defender was a vital component of Spurs’ defensive unit throughout last season, but his high-intensity style of play places significant physical demands on his body. With crucial matches approaching, the medical staff is keen to ensure that any minor discomfort or muscle fatigue is handled with maximum caution to prevent long-term setbacks. Whether Van de Ven is dealing with a slight strain or is merely working through a tailored conditioning plan remains unconfirmed by official club channels. De Zerbi’s Tactical Dependence on Van de Ven From a tactical standpoint, Van de Ven is arguably one of the most irreplaceable figures in Roberto De Zerbi’s system. The Italian manager relies on an aggressive, high defensive line that demands central defenders possess exceptional recovery speed to cover vast expanses of space behind them. Van de Ven’s incredible pace allows Tottenham to press high up the pitch without leaving their backline vulnerable to quick counter-attacks. In addition to his defensive recovery capabilities, his composure on the ball and ability to drive forward out of defense are central to De Zerbi’s build-up philosophy. Despite the questions lingering over his overall match sharpness, De Zerbi remains eager to give the Netherlands international valuable minutes on the pitch against Hoffenheim. Securing competitive game time is essential for key players to build rhythm, match stamina, and tactical understanding before official league action begins. If Van de Ven is cleared by the medical team, he could either start the match in a controlled stint or enter as a second-half substitute to test his physical response under real match conditions. Should Tottenham choose to rest Van de Ven completely to avoid unnecessary risk, De Zerbi has alternative central defensive options available within the squad. However, integrating Van de Ven smoothly into the lineup remains the primary objective for the technical staff. By carefully managing his involvement against Hoffenheim, Tottenham hope to ensure that their influential center-back reaches optimal match fitness without compromising his long-term health for the demanding season ahead.