Ange Postecoglou offers main Tottenham damage replace with key duo dominated out till the brand new 12 months – as defender is called a doubt for Man United Carabao Cup tie

Ange Postecoglou has ruled two key members of his Tottenham squad out of action until the new year, but revealed a trio of sidelined stars will be back training soon.

The Spurs boss is attempting to reach the Carabao Cup semi-final when they host Man United on Thursday amidst a run of inconsistency that has put his position under scrutiny.

Postecoglou is desperate to deliver silverware to the club that hasn’t lifted a trophy since winning the League Cup in 2008 but will have to find a way past United without the help of two crucial defenders.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both hobbled off with concerning injuries in the 4-3 defeat against Tottenham on December 8 and have been undergoing treatment ever since.

Romero was gutted as he left the pitch early on what was his first appearance in 35 days upon return from another injury, while Van de Ven limped straight down the tunnel just moments later.

The Dutch centre-back had not played since October 30 and now isn’t expected back until next year at the earliest as revealed by Postecoglou ahead of his side’s knockout cup clash.

Ange Postecoglou has ruled two key members of his Tottenham squad out of action until the new year

Defenders Micky van de Ven (left) and Cristian Romero (right) are set for an extended spell on the sidelines

Van de Ven had not played since October 30 when he was injured against Chelsea at the start of the month

‘Van de Ven and Romero are still chugging along. I think both will be in the new year,’ said the Spurs boss who has bemoaned the club’s injury crisis.

He continued: ‘Not as a significant injury as last time with Micky but obviously having a setback the medical team is going to make sure he is right to go. 

‘So both of them in the new year at some point,’ said the Australian who has been forced to find a short-term solution to the injury situation.

18-year-old Archie Gray has proved to be an effective stand-in defender despite preferring to play in midfield, while Radu Dragusin has also been handed more minutes than usual.

Postecoglou also revealed that defender Destiny Udogie is a doubt for the visit of Ruben Amorim’s United team with a late assessment to be made on his fitness.  

Destiny Udogie (second from left) is a doubt for Tottenham’s cup clash against Man United

‘I guess from the other night, Destiny (Udogie) no injury but he is still a bit sore from the game. We are not ruling him out but we will see how he is with the turn around,’ added Postecoglou.

However, it is good news for Mikey Moore, Ben Davies and Brazilian striker Richarlison as Postecoglou confirmed the trio should be back available for selection soon.   

‘Mikey is back in training so hopefully not too far away. The next cabs off the rank are Mikey and Ben Davies potentially next week and then Richarlison maybe first week of the new year,’ revealed the Spurs boss.

Meanwhile, United manager Amorim will be without Mason Mount for the trip to London after he came off injured in the Manchester derby, while right-back Noussair Mazraoui is also a doubt.