Xavi says Van de Ven’s injury is not serious

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez said Micky van de Ven’s finger injury was not serious after the Tottenham defender was forced off against Serbia, offering reassurance ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League match at Manchester United on Saturday. His availability remains unconfirmed, with the club expected to assess him after his return. Van de Ven was hurt when Serbia forward Luka Jovic landed on his hand during the Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League win. Xavi said the defender felt dizzy after injuring a finger but was okay. The Netherlands had used all their substitutes, so the team finished the match with 10 players after Van de Ven left the field. The coach’s comments were an initial assessment, not a fitness clearance from Tottenham. The reports say the club’s medical staff would further assess the defender, and do not confirm whether he will be available to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. Tottenham also have an unresolved question over Jan Paul van Hecke, who left the Netherlands squad with a foot injury sustained in the first match against Serbia. Xavi said Van Hecke was in too much pain to continue and could not take part in recovery training.