“Easy Final Spot for Spurs”- Bodo/Glimt suffer fresh blow as another Key player tormenting teams ruled out ahead of Tottenham semi-final clash
As the Europa League semi-finals approach, Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt are grappling with a series of significant blows that threaten to derail their hopes of reaching the final. The club, known for its impressive home form, is facing serious personnel issues ahead of their crucial first-leg clash against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
While Tottenham’s domestic season has been inconsistent at best—highlighted by their most recent 2-1 defeat, marking a staggering 18 losses in the Premier League—their European campaign tells a different story. Under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, Spurs have shown grit and poise on the continental stage, losing just two of their 12 matches en route to the semi-finals. Now, they prepare to face a resilient Bodo/Glimt side, albeit one weakened by suspensions and injury setbacks.
Key Players Ruled Out for Bodo/Glimt
Tottenham may have received a timely boost ahead of the tie, with Bodo/Glimt confirming several key absences. Captain Patrick Berg, a vital presence in midfield and a driving force in the team’s buildup play, is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. He will be joined on the sidelines by fellow midfielder Hakon Evjen, who is also suspended for the same reason.
Adding to their woes, forward Andreas Helmersen—who played a pivotal role in their quarter-final victory over Lazio by netting a crucial goal—will also be unavailable after being sent off in the latter stages of that fixture. His absence removes one of the team’s most direct goal threats heading into the semi-final battle.
But the list of concerns doesn’t stop there for Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen. Winger Ole Blomberg, another key figure in the Norwegian side’s attacking setup, was forced to exit just 15 minutes into their 2-2 draw with Molde earlier this week. The 23-year-old was later spotted leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot, casting serious doubt over his availability for the first leg in North London. The full extent of his injury remains unconfirmed, but early signs point to a race against time for his recovery.
Scheduling Clash Poses Additional Challenge for Spurs
While Bodo/Glimt must navigate their injury and suspension crisis, they do benefit from a less congested fixture schedule. The Norwegian club has seen their domestic league fixture postponed to accommodate their European commitments, granting them a valuable period of rest and preparation between both legs of the semi-final.
Tottenham, on the other hand, face a demanding stretch that could test their squad depth. Sandwiched between the two legs against Bodo/Glimt are two high-stakes Premier League encounters against Liverpool and West Ham—matches that could significantly impact their league standing. Once the European semi-final concludes, they’ll quickly turn their focus to a fixture against Crystal Palace, adding further pressure to manage player fitness and form.
Fortunately for Postecoglou, Spurs enter the semi-final without any suspensions, meaning he should be able to field a nearly full-strength lineup. That availability could prove crucial, especially given the tight turnaround and the importance of momentum at this stage of the competition.
A Pivotal Tie With All to Play For
Despite Bodo/Glimt’s impressive unbeaten home record in European knockout matches at the Aspmyra Stadion, the absence of key players will present an enormous challenge against a Tottenham side eager to end their season on a high with silverware. With just three victories separating them from lifting the Europa League trophy, Spurs will be highly motivated to capitalize on any weaknesses in their opponent’s lineup.
Still, the tie remains finely balanced. Bodo/Glimt’s tactical discipline and formidable home form could prove to be a leveller, even against a more experienced and star-studded Spurs squad. It’s a semi-final shaped by contrasting fortunes—one team hobbled but rested, the other mostly fit but pressed for time. In the end, it will come down to which side adapts better and takes their chances when it matters most.