Tottenham Hotspur’s entire campaign now comes down to one decisive match: the Europa League final. The club has endured a turbulent season both domestically and internationally, but victory in the final on May 21 would not only break their long-standing trophy drought but also secure a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
After a convincing 2-0 victory against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night, Spurs cemented their place in the final, where they will face an in-form Manchester United. This match carries enormous weight, with Tottenham’s future in European competition and Ange Postecoglou’s first season as manager hinging on the outcome.
Injury Concerns Cloud Preparations
Despite the high stakes, Tottenham’s buildup to the final has already been marred by significant injury setbacks. Star playmaker James Maddison has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, a blow that left fans and management scrambling for alternatives. To compound matters, Dejan Kulusevski suffered a worrying injury during Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace over the weekend.
Having recently returned from a foot injury that kept him sidelined for a month, Kulusevski was expected to play a pivotal role in Tottenham’s preparations. The Swedish international featured for the full 90 minutes against Bodo/Glimt, even registering an assist. However, in the 16th minute against Crystal Palace, he appeared to suffer another setback. Despite attempting to continue, he was substituted in the 19th minute and escorted down the tunnel by medical staff.
Journalist Jay Harris reported the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Kulusevski walks off the pitch and goes straight down the tunnel with a member of staff.”
With Maddison, talented prospect William Bergvall, and potentially Kulusevski all unavailable for the Europa League final, Spurs’ chances of lifting the trophy have taken a significant hit.
Kulusevski: A Vital Player in Tottenham’s Lineup
Since his arrival from Juventus, Dejan Kulusevski has become an indispensable part of Tottenham’s squad. Known for his versatility and creativity, the 23-year-old has excelled in various positions under Ange Postecoglou, including attacking midfield, right wing, and even central midfield.
This season, Kulusevski has delivered consistently despite Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League. Across 49 appearances in all competitions, he has contributed 10 goals and 11 assists—a testament to his importance in both creating and finishing scoring opportunities.
Performance Breakdown by Position
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Attacking Midfield 19 4 5
Right Winger 11 3 1
Central Midfield 7 1 3
Centre-Forward 2 0 1
Under Postecoglou’s management, Kulusevski has embraced the attacking midfield role, a new challenge that has showcased his adaptability and football intelligence. His performances have drawn interest from top European clubs, but Tottenham remains adamant about retaining him.
The Challenge Ahead
As Tottenham prepares for their biggest match of the season, the potential absence of Kulusevski will weigh heavily on their strategy. His creativity and ability to link midfield with attack have been crucial, and his loss would leave a significant void.
Manchester United, meanwhile, enters the final in strong form and would see the potential unavailability of Kulusevski as a major advantage. The Red Devils are expected to exploit any weaknesses in Tottenham’s lineup as they vie for another European trophy under Erik ten Hag.
For Tottenham, winning the Europa League would symbolize a triumphant end to a challenging season and provide a foundation for rebuilding under Postecoglou. However, with injuries mounting, their path to success is fraught with challenges. Fans and players alike will be hoping for positive news on Kulusevski’s fitness in the coming days, as his presence could make all the difference on May 21.
