Cristian Romero (27) and Miky van der Ven (24, both Tottenham) will return to the field.

Tottenham Hotspur announced on the 6th (Korean time) through the club's official website, "Cristian Romero, Miky van der Ven, and Dominic Solanke will travel to the Netherlands and will all participate in the UEFA Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar."

Tottenham is having a very disappointing season, having been eliminated from all domestic cup competitions and remaining in 13th place in the league (33 points). Some are discussing tactical issues with head coach Ange Postecoglou and the struggles of captain Son Heung-min, but the excessive injury problems of key players are cited as the decisive cause.

In particular, injuries to the defense are painful. With the starting center-back duo of Romero and van der Ven sidelined due to injuries, there have been many instances of failing to maintain a lead even after scoring the opening goal.

Tottenham will play the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar on the 7th. It is an important match as they aim for victory. Ahead of this, good news has arrived. Injured players will accompany the team on the trip to the Netherlands.

Tottenham stated, "Those who have missed significant time this season due to injuries returned to full training last week and are joining the team. Dominic Solanke has missed the last 10 matches due to a knee injury, and van der Ven has played only 2 out of the last 27 matches due to a muscle injury. Romero has also played just one match out of the last 25."

The club reported, "Now they are able to contribute to the team ahead of important matches. Tottenham will play the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion on the 7th. However, a cautious approach will continue during their return process."

Tottenham noted, "Postecoglou was asked in a press conference before Wednesday's match whether the three players are ready to start. He replied, 'We will have to see,' and 'We plan to have an evening training session. Since they all missed a significant period, we have to carefully decide when to bring them back. They are currently going through training, and we will make a decision afterward.'"

It was also announced, "Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski will miss this trip to the Netherlands due to a foot injury and is expected to be out until after the March international break. Ben Davies and Richarlison also remain sidelined due to injuries."

Additionally, it was added, "Jed Spence, Kevin Danso, and Mathys Tel included in the UEFA Europa League tournament squad may make their European competition debuts in this match. In contrast, Fraser Forster, Antonin Kinski, Sergio Reguilon, Radu Dragusin, and Timo Werner are excluded from the Europa League roster."

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