Tottenham Hotspur’s Jan Paul van Hecke has suffered an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.
The centre-half is now a doubt for Spurs’ trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10.
Jan Paul van Hecke sparks injury concerns for struggling Spurs
Van Hecke has started every Premier League fixture thus far and has played the full 90 minutes in each outing, with Roberto De Zerbi hoping the Dutchman will – eventually – form a formidable partnership with his compatriot Micky van de Ven.
However, they have yet to do so, as Tottenham remain winless after their opening five games, while they’ve also conceded eight goals in that time.
“There’s been a lot of good stuff, but it’s forgotten if you don’t win. That’s how football works."
Jan Paul van Hecke has taken positives from Spurs’ start to the season 💪
🎙️ @jules_breach | 📺 Stream now on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/GQQgamCiWe
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 19, 2026
Prior to the break, Van Hecke scored just their second goal of the campaign when he provided a late consolation header to make it 3-2 in injury time, with Aston Villa sealing a crucial win in North London.
De Zerbi will be sweating over Van Hecke in lead-up to United contest
The 26-year-old sustained his setback during Oranje’s clash with Serbia, and it was confirmed on Wednesday that he had left the team in order to travel back to England and undergo further assessments with his club.
Jan Paul van Hecke won’t travel to Thessaloniki with the squad. ❌
The defender got injured during the away game against Serbia and will return to Tottenham Hotspur.
Get well soon, JP! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/4i00s1Xk6K
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 30, 2026
It remains to be seen if he will return to match fitness in time to line up against United, who are navigating fitness concerns of their own.
Patrick Dorgu withdrew from the Denmark squad after appearing to sustain a non-contact injury last Sunday, so he will also have to undergo scans at Carrington in the coming days.
A non-contact hamstring injury has forced Patrick Dorgu from the field for Denmark…
Look away Manchester United fans 😬 pic.twitter.com/3Y5Sz0akge
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 27, 2026
In addition, Noussair Mazraoui was spotted writhing in pain following a collision during Morocco’s African Cup of Nations qualifier aganst Lesotho, so he had to be substituted in the second half.
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