Overview
- The Netherlands confirmed on Wednesday that centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has left the national camp and returned to Tottenham for further assessment after picking up a knock in the Nations League game with Serbia.
- Dutch reports and training footage show Van Hecke took part in an open session in Zeist but lasted only about seven minutes before withdrawing, and coach Xavi said the player was in too much pain to continue.
- Multiple outlets describe the problem as a foot issue sustained against Serbia, though the exact diagnosis and recovery timeline remain unconfirmed pending club scans.
- Van Hecke is now a doubt for Tottenham’s away match at Manchester United on Oct. 10 while Roberto De Zerbi and the club medical team review scan results and manage an already stretched squad.
- The setback matters for Spurs because Van Hecke was a £52m summer signing who has started every Premier League minute this season, so his absence would deepen Tottenham’s existing injury problems and force short-term defensive changes.