Could Injury Deal a Crushing Blow to Tottenham’s Europa League Hopes?

Tottenham Hotspur faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday, with the news that key midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This setback raises questions about Spurs' ability to clinch a much-desired trophy, especially given the club's lengthy drought since winning the League Cup in 2008. Kulusevski was forced off the pitch in the 19th minute during Spurs' disappointing 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. His timely return after a prior foot injury had rekindled hope among fans. With 10 goals and 11 assists from 50 appearances this season, the 25-year-old has proven to be a crucial player in Tottenham's campaign, making his absence all the more significant. "We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend," a spokesperson for the club stated. The news arrives as a double blow for Spurs, who are already grappling with injuries to fellow midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, both key players who will miss the final. Another factor complicating Tottenham's situation is their murky standing in the Premier League, where they are currently hovering just above the relegation zone at 17th place, one spot behind United. Under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, the team has been searching for consistency, but injuries to key players have made progress difficult. Kulusevski's surgery was not the only concern; during training, Brennan Johnson had an early scare when accidentally caught by teammate Sergio Reguilon, but thankfully was able to continue without significant injury. Postecoglou expressed mixed feelings regarding the injuries in his squad. Despite the loss of Kulusevski, he noted the return of captain Heung-Min Son, who has been an essential figure in Spurs’ attacking strategy. Son himself has been vocal about the significance of the upcoming match in Bilbao, calling it the missing "final piece" in his Spurs puzzle. He stated, "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve. It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time." While Son's return offers a glimmer of hope, Tottenham's depth will be tested. Without Kulusevski and Maddison, Postecoglou will need to rely on players like Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma, who will need to step up in Kulusevski's absence. The manager joked about keeping the players "in cotton wool" for the next few days to avoid any further injuries as they head into the final. The Europa League final presents a crucial opportunity for Tottenham to end their trophy drought and redeem a challenging season. However, with injuries plaguing key positions, fans must wonder whether the team can muster the strength and resolve to overcome Manchester United. Only time will tell if Spurs can rise to the occasion and secure the elusive silverware that has long been sought. As the tension builds towards the final, what are your thoughts on Tottenham's chances without Kulusevski? Will Son's leadership be enough to inspire the team to victory, or will injury adversity ultimately prevail? Share your views in the comments.

• Dejan Kulusevski
• Europa League
• Heung-min Son

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