Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou defends Micky van de Ven approach as new return time frame revealed

Cautious approach: Ange Postecoglou says Micky van de Ven is still two to three weeks away from returning to action for Tottenham - (Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou has defended Tottenham's cautious approach with the fitness of Micky van de Ven, suggesting the club would be risking the Dutchman's long-term future by rushing him back into action.

Van de Ven returned to the side for his latest comeback against Elfsborg in the Europa League a fortnight ago but has sat out the subsequent three games, with Postecoglou saying on Friday that he is still "two to three weeks" from fitness.