Micky van de Ven RETURNS to Tottenham starting line-up in major boost for Ange Postecoglou after being sidelined for two months

Micky van de Ven is starting for Tottenham for the first time since early December in a pivotal boost to Ange Postecoglou and his injury-hit band of stars. 

The defender has not played since the 4-3 defeat by Chelsea on December 8 after sustaining a hamstring injury. 

Postecoglou has named him at the heart of his defence alongside Ben Davies as Spurs prepare to welcome IF Elfsborg in the Europa League tonight. 

The Dutchman returned to training on Tuesday.

Spurs have been on a torrid run of form during his absence, winning just one of their last eight Premier League matches – and losing their most recent five. 

The north Londoners remain without Van de Ven’s central defensive Christian Romero, who went down with an injury in the same game. 

More to follow.