Tottenham Hotspur player Dejan Kulusevski will be absent from next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao, as the club has announced he has had surgery on a knee injury. The Swedish midfielder was substituted in the 19th minute during the weekend’s loss to Crystal Palace and will not participate in the match against Ruben Amorim’s team in Spain. Spurs released a statement detailing that Kulusevski sustained an injury to his right patella during the Premier League game against Crystal Palace. After consulting specialists, he underwent surgery today and will now begin his rehabilitation with the medical team. “We are all here for you, Deki.” The setback follows injuries to Spurs midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, as Ange Postecoglou aims to secure the club’s first trophy since the 2008 League Cup. Additionally, Zubairu has stated, ‘We’re Going For Trophy’ ahead of the Flying Eagles match against South Africa. Kulusevski’s absence will significantly impact Spurs, as the former Juventus player has netted 10 goals across all competitions this season, including goals in the 3-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in September and the 4-3 League Cup triumph against them at Home in January. Postecoglou had initially indicated that Kulusevski would be ready for the final and downplayed the injury after the defeat to Palace. The Australian coach mentioned, “He should be fine, just spoke to him afterward.” The medical staff isn’t overly worried about him; it seems more like a minor injury, so we believe he should be fine. Both Spurs and United are looking to finish the season positively, especially in light of their disappointing league performances. The North London team aims to secure a third Europa League title, having triumphed in 1972 and 1984. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are seeking their second Europa League trophy after their inaugural win in 2017.
