Tottenham Faces Midfield Crisis Ahead of Europa League Final

miminMay 15, 2025May 16, 202504 mins

Tottenham Faces Midfield Crisis Ahead – Tottenham Hotspur has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Europa League final against Manchester United, as key midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has been ruled out due to knee surgery. This development exacerbates an already challenging situation for manager Ange Postecoglou, who is grappling with a growing injury list in the midfield.

The Injury

Dejan Kulusevski sustained a right patella injury during Tottenham’s recent 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. The injury occurred in the 19th minute following a challenge from Marc Guéhi. Initially, the club hoped it was a minor knock, but further medical consultations revealed the need for surgery. Kulusevski underwent the procedure on Wednesday and will commence rehabilitation immediately. This setback rules him out of the upcoming Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21 in Bilbao.

Midfield Crisis

Kulusevski’s injury adds to Tottenham’s midfield woes. Fellow midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are also sidelined due to knee and ankle injuries, respectively. With these key players unavailable, Postecoglou is left with limited options in the midfield. The remaining fit midfielders include Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and Archie Gray. The absence of Kulusevski, who has contributed 10 goals and 11 assists this season, is a significant blow to Tottenham’s creative capabilities.

Strategic Adjustments

In light of the current injuries, Postecoglou may be forced to adopt a more defensive midfield lineup. The combination of Bentancur, Bissouma, and Sarr could provide the necessary stability in the center of the park. However, the lack of a natural playmaker could impact Tottenham’s attacking fluidity. Archie Gray, though talented, lacks the experience required for such a high-stakes match. Postecoglou’s tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating this challenging situation.

Europa League Final Outlook

Despite the ongoing challenges, Tottenham’s Europa League final against Manchester United remains a pivotal match. A victory would not only secure the club’s first major trophy since 2008 but also grant qualification for the Champions League next season. Postecoglou has emphasized the importance of this match as a potential turning point for the club, aiming to end the 17-year trophy drought and restore Tottenham’s competitive stature in European football.

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