Tottenham Hotspur have revealed that Dejan Kulusevski has undergone knee surgery just a week before the Europa League final.
Spurs are preparing to face Aston Villa in Friday’s Premier League contest, but their main focus will already be on next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
Ange Postecoglou is hoping to end Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought by leading the club to their first European piece of silverware since they won the UEFA Cup in 1984.
The competition has taken on extra importance for the North London side because it offers their only route to securing European football next season, given the fact that they are languishing in 17th place in the Premier League table.
However, their preparations for the final have already been hindered by season-ending injuries to Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison in the last couple of weeks.
Spurs confirm Kulusevski surgery
Spurs were handed a fresh injury concern at the weekend when Kulusevski was forced off in the 19th minute of the 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.
Postecoglou appeared to be positive about Kulusevski’s hopes of recovering in time for the Europa League final on May 21 when he spoke to the media on Monday, although he did admit that the winger still had to undergo further assessment.
Unfortunately for Postecoglou, Kulusevski’s knee problem is seemingly worse than initially thought, as the club announced on Wednesday that the Sweden international has undergone surgery.
A statement read: “We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend.
“Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today (Wednesday) and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately.”
Kulusevski set to miss final
Tottenham did not provide a timeline for Kulusevski’s recovery, although Postecoglou could provide a clearer picture when he speaks to reporters on Thursday.
However, the injury and subsequent surgery will surely rule Kulusevski out of the upcoming final against Man United.
Kulusevski’s expected absence represents a significant blow because he has been one of Tottenham’s key attackers this season.
The former Juventus man has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions this term.
Spurs have at least recently welcomed back Son Heung-min from injury, providing a much-needed boost ahead of the showdown in Bilbao.
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