Team news | Latest on Romero and van de Ven

Ange Postecoglou has provided an update on Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

The defensive duo returned to action from injuries almost a fortnight ago to play their part in the visit of Chelsea in the Premier League, but both were forced off in the game, Cristian within the first 20 minutes before Micky was taken off midway through the second half.

Having had a couple of weeks to get the prognosis on the injuries sustained by the pair, Ange has told us that Micky's issue is not as bad as the injury he picked up earlier in the season so is expected to return to action in 2025, the same as Cuti.

"Van de Ven and Romero are both chugging along," Ange said. "I think both, to be fair, will be in the new year. When..?

"It's not as significant an injury as it was last time with Micky but, with having the setback, the medical team is just going to make sure he is right to go so both will be (back) in the new year at some point."

Micky and Cristian are amongst our long-term absentees which include Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore.