Tottenham injury update: James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven latest news and return dates
Tottenham remain without three key first-team players as they look to keep their season on track.
Ange Postecoglou's side returned to winning ways against Newcastle over the weekend, their first win since October, and it ensured they are only three points off the top four.
The priority for Spurs will be staying in touch with those above them while they continue to battle injury issues, with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven unavailable. Rodrigo Bentancur is also still on the sidelines.
The likes of Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon are on the road to recovery from surgery, but Spurs are still a long way off having a fully-fit squad.
Here are the latest updates on Spurs' injury problems...
James Maddison
James Maddison admitted he is growing frustrated in his recovery from an ankle injury.
The Spurs star has been out since the dramatic defeat to Chelsea in November and it was initially believed he would be out until early 2024. However, Maddison has now hinted at a three-month absence, which would mean a February return.
"It's healing well, it's a bit of a slow burner which is obviously frustrating because like you said, I started the season so well," he told Amazon Prime Video. "But it's healing, slowly but surely."
"I've had a couple [of injuries], this is probably the longest one I've had if it's say three months, I've never really gone past that.
Potential return date: February 2024
Micky van de Ven
That defeat to Chelsea also saw Micky van de Ven limp off, as he picked up a serious hamstring injury.
Postecoglou described that as "fairly significant" and the centre-back is not expected to return before the end of the year, stalling what had been a strong start to life in north London.
Potential return date: January 2024
Rodrigo Bentancur
Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a cruel injury blow as he was forced off on his first start for the club in nine months.
The midfielder was on the receiving end of a poor challenge from Aston Villa defender Matty Cash and scans revealed ankle ligament damage, meaning Bentancur once again faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He is expected to miss ten weeks of action, with a return in mid-February pencilled in.
Potential return date: February 2024
Eric Dier
Eric Dier has missed Spurs' last two matches with a groin injury.
The defender picked up the issue ahead of the defeat to Manchester City and did not recover in time to make the squad against Newcastle.
With Dier not fit to train leading up to the Newcastle match, he remains a doubt for Friday's trip to Nottingham Forest.
Potential return date: December 23, Premier League vs Everton
Ryan Sessegnon
Ryan Sessegnon is yet to play a competitive match under Postecoglou, having been forced to undergo hamstring surgery in the summer.
That has kept him out of action since, but it is hoped that Sessegnon could return to team training before the end of the year as he steps up his recovery,
"We will have to be cautious with him and I think the medical team rightly so, because he has had a number of setbacks, want to give him every chance that when he does come back, to stay back," Postecoglou said.
"He is one we are not putting any timelines on and we'll be guided by the medical team and him more importantly."
Potential return date: January 2024
Manor Solomon
Summer signing Manor Solomon remains unavailable as he recovers from knee surgery.
The forward suffered an injury in training in October and it was reported at the time that he would miss at least a couple of months. No update on his comeback has been given recently, suggesting a return is not imminent.
Potential return date: February 2024
Ivan Perisic
Ivan Perisic is a long-term absentee with a complex anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee.
The club announced in September that Perisic would undergo surgery and he is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Potential return date: Summer 2024