Ange Postecoglou issues Spurs injury update as star ‘goes straight down the tunnel’ ahead of Europa League final
Tottenham Hotspur’s team selection for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Friday evening left little doubt about where manager Ange Postecoglou’s priorities now lie. With the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao looming large on the horizon, Spurs fielded a lineup that clearly reflected a strategic shift in focus toward securing European silverware.
The North London club fell to a 2-0 defeat at Villa Park in what was their final domestic league match before the high-stakes European final. Once they went behind, there was a noticeable drop in intensity, and the players didn’t show much urgency to mount a comeback — a likely indication that the squad had one eye firmly fixed on their upcoming showdown in Spain.
Postecoglou, much like his counterpart at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, has been transparent in recent weeks about the importance of the Europa League final. Both clubs, who have endured inconsistent league campaigns and sit among the lowest-ranked sides outside the relegation zone, appear to be using the remaining Premier League fixtures to manage workloads, rotate their squads, and ensure key players are protected ahead of the final.
However, the cautious approach wasn’t without its complications. Tottenham were given a scare during the second half when Pape Matar Sarr — a player likely to be in contention for a starting spot in the final — appeared to suffer a knock. The young midfielder was substituted early in the second half and seemed to be in discomfort as he made his way straight down the tunnel after being replaced by Yves Bissouma.
Speaking after the match, Postecoglou offered an update on Sarr’s condition and sought to ease any concerns. “Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution,” the Spurs boss explained. “I don’t think it’s anything too significant. Speaking to him afterwards, he seemed okay, but he just felt something, and we didn’t want to take any risks.”
There was also a moment of concern involving 17-year-old forward Mikey Moore, who had to be substituted late in the match. However, Postecoglou suggested that the issue was more related to fitness than injury. “I think Mikey was okay,” he noted. “It was fatigue more than anything else. He hasn’t played that kind of minutes before, so it’s just part of his development.”
Despite the loss, there was a silver lining for Spurs fans in the return of captain Son Heung-min. The South Korean forward, who has recently been working his way back from injury, started the match and looked lively in the first half. His presence will be vital in Bilbao, especially given the youthful nature of Tottenham’s recent lineups.
“Getting Sonny back is a huge plus for us,” Postecoglou said. “He brings experience and leadership, and I think over the last two or three games, we’ve fielded teams that are three or four years younger on average than our opponents. That lack of experience has shown at times, so having someone like Son back in the squad is invaluable.”
With the league campaign now concluded, all eyes at Tottenham Hotspur are firmly fixed on the Europa League final. The upcoming clash with Manchester United, who themselves were defeated by Chelsea on Friday, represents not just a chance for silverware, but an opportunity to cap off a challenging season with a statement victory on the European stage. For both clubs, success in Bilbao could define their season — and perhaps shape their immediate futures.