Will Tottenham’s Europa League Aspirations Fade Without Kulusevski?
As Tottenham Hotspur gears up for the Europa League final against Manchester United, a shadow looms over the squad with uncertainty surrounding Dejan Kulusevski's fitness.
The Swede was substituted just 19 minutes into Spurs' recent Premier League match against Crystal Palace after sustaining a knee injury, raising alarms ahead of the crucial fixture in Bilbao next week. The team has already confirmed that key players James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall will miss the final due to injury, placing immense pressure on Kulusevski to recover.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed some optimism regarding Kulusevski’s condition, indicating that he may have only sustained a minor knock. "We are going to let it settle for 24 hours and then assess it but the initial thing is it is more of a knock than anything more significant. Fingers crossed he is OK," Postecoglou stated during a media briefing.
However, the absence of Kulusevski would be a significant blow for Spurs, given his contribution to their season thus far, with ten goals to his name. His presence was pivotal in their earlier encounters with United, emphasising the stakes the team faces as they look to end a trophy drought extending back to 2008.
Despite being only one point and one place behind United in the Premier League table, Spurs have struggled throughout the season with twenty league losses. This has left them floundering in 17th place, underscoring the magnitude of the upcoming final for a team that has faced such adversity on the domestic front.
Postecoglou, reflecting on the team’s struggles, lamented their performance against Palace: "We never really got into the game and we didn't control it at any time," he lamented, suggesting that the dual pressures of league and cup competitions may be taking their toll.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Tottenham has continually cycled through changes in their line-up, a tactic Postecoglou believes has yet to show positive returns. "We’re making changes and the guys are getting opportunities, but we aren’t reacting well to that," he added. The pressing question now is whether the team can find the synergy needed when they face Manchester United in a week’s time.
With Tottenham preparing for their final league match against Aston Villa, all eyes will be on Kulusevski. An update on his situation is expected after the match, but fans and analysts alike will be watching with bated breath for news of his potential return ahead of the high-stakes clash.
The Europa League final represents not just a chance at silverware but also a crucial moment in the club’s tumultuous season. As Spurs navigate this tense chapter, the outcome remains uncertain. Will a key player’s absence hinder their ambitions, or will they muster the strength to overcome the odds?
