Tottenham’s entire season rests upon one game now and that is the Europa League final.
After defeating Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night, Spurs secured their place in the final, where they will face Manchester United on May 21.
The match is of huge significance, as a win in the Europa League would not only end their trophy drought but also book Tottenham a spot in next season’s Champions League.
However, their preparations have already taken a hit.
Tottenham will already be without James Maddison, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season. And now Dejan Kulusevski has appeared to pick up an injury vs Crystal Palace.
Dejan Kulusevski picks up worrying injury against Crystal Palace
Kulusevski had only just returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for a month, playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win over Bodo/Glimt and even registering an assist.
However, he picked up an injury in the 16th minute vs Crystal Palace and while he tried to play on, he could not and was eventually subbed off in the 19th minute.
The Athletic’s Jay Harris reveals that the player was seen going straight down the tunnel with a staff member. He reported on X: “Kulusevski walks off the pitch and goes straight down the tunnel with a member of staff.
“With Maddison and Bergvall out of the Europa League final through injury, losing Kulusevski as well would be a disaster.
It’s far from an encouraging sign as they prepare for their biggest game of the season.
Dejan Kulusevski has been a key player for Tottenham despite struggles
Kulusevski has firmly established himself as one of Tottenham’s most important players since arriving from Juventus.
He has proven to be an asset for Ange Postecoglou, showing versatility and playing across various positions for the Australian.
This season, despite the club’s struggles domestically, he has continued to perform, scoring 10 goals and assisting another 11 in 49 games across all competitions.
Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
Attacking Midfield | 19 | 4 | 5 |
Right Winger | 11 | 3 | 1 |
Central Midfield | 7 | 1 | 3 |
Centre-Forward | 2 | 0 | 1 |
A major chunk of those appearances and goals have come as an attacking midfielder, a new role he has adapted to under Ange and excelled in.
His performances have garnered interest in him from several clubs but Tottenham are desperate not to sell Kulusevski.
It remains to be seen how bad the injury is but judging from the early reports, he may end up missing the final, in what will be a massive blow for Tottenham and a big boost for Manchester United.