Spurs' Treatment Room Miracle? Bergvall Back Early, Romero Teased by Simeone, and Van de Ven Hits Back

Picture this: Tottenham Hotspur staring down the barrel of a 5-2 deficit against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League last-16 second leg, while scrapping to stay out of the Premier League trapdoor. It's grim, innit? But hold the panic – a flurry of injury returns and fiery words from the camp could just spark some north London magic.

Good Tidings from Hotspur Way

First up, the real eyebrow-raiser: teenage Swedish whiz Lucas Bergvall is back in training after ankle surgery sidelined him since January. Docs had him pegged for an April comeback, but the lad joined the squad session on Tuesday. Interim gaffer Igor Tudor will spill more in his pre-Atlético presser, but this is massive for a side that's leaked goals like a pub drip tray.

Cristian Romero, the skipper with the dodgy discipline, also trained after missing the 1-1 draw at Liverpool due to concussion protocols from a head clash with João Palhinha in that Wanda Metropolitano horror show. Tudor called it Spurs' 'incredible' bad luck – understatement of the season. Romero needs clearance, but fingers crossed.

Destiny Udogie was out there too, nursing a hamstring knock, while Micky van de Ven shakes off suspension to slot straight back in against Diego Simeone's lot. Bad news? Richarlison sits out suspended, Conor Gallagher skipped training with a lingering fever, and Palhinha worked solo.

Spurs sit a point above the drop zone with eight games left. That Anfield point was Tudor's first non-loss – baby steps, eh?

Simeone's Soft Spot for Romero

Across the Channel, Diego Simeone couldn't hide his man-crush on Romero ahead of Wednesday's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showdown. The Atlético boss, who chased the Argentine centre-back last summer, called himself a 'big fan' of his personality, defending nous, and ball-playing chops. 'I've watched him more for Argentina than Spurs,' he quipped – cheeky, given Romero's extension to 2029.

Rumours won't quit, what with Spurs' woes and Romero's two reds amid six goals. Simeone played it cool: Atlético are red-hot favourites post-thrashing, but expect full Cholismo intensity from kick-off. Tottenham? They'll need the crowd roaring to pull off the impossible.

As reported by folks at The Independent via OneFootball, Simeone's admiration adds spice – is this mind games or genuine respect?

Van de Ven Shuts Down the Doubters

Amid the injury merry-go-round, Micky van de Ven dropped a proper rant defending his mates. Pundits whispering the squad's checked out? 'Biggest nonsense,' the Dutch defender fired back. 'Everyone on the pitch and staff cares massively – we're gutted and laser-focused on turning it around.'

Linked with Liverpool, Man Utd, and even Real Madrid despite his own wobbles, Van de Ven's passion cuts through the noise. After Thomas Frank's sacking and Tudor's rocky start, questions linger about squad buy-in. But this? Pure fire.

Rob McCarthy at TEAMtalk flagged this gem from the Evening Standard crew – timely, with Atlético looming and relegation biting.

Spurs face a Herculean task: overturn 3 goals in the Champions League, while plotting Premier League survival. Bergvall's early return feels like manna, Romero's availability a prayer answered, and Van de Ven's words a rallying cry. Will it be enough? Grab your scarf – tomorrow's gonna be mental.