Tottenham Star Faces Race to Be Fit for Bilbao

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·12 maggio 2025

Tottenham Star Faces Race to Be Fit for Bilbao

Spurs Injury Updates: Kulusevski Doubt for Europa League Final

Tottenham Hotspur’s preparations for the Europa League final have been disrupted by a growing injury list, headlined by fresh concern over Dejan Kulusevski. With Manchester United awaiting in the all-English final in Bilbao on 21 May, manager Ange Postecoglou is keeping close tabs on key players fighting to be fit.

Kulusevski Injury Casts Shadow Over Bilbao Showpiece

Dejan Kulusevski’s status is the biggest question mark ahead of the final. The Swedish international was forced off just 18 minutes into Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, following a heavy challenge from Marc Guehi.

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While Kulusevski did return to the dugout for the second half, his absence from Monday’s training session has raised concerns. Postecoglou, however, offered a cautiously optimistic assessment after the match.

“Should be OK, just talking to him after. Medical team not too concerned with him, more of a knock than anything else.”

Despite the knock, the club remain hopeful he could return in time for the away fixture against Aston Villa on 16 May — a potential dress rehearsal for the final. His involvement in that match could serve as a fitness test ahead of the European decider in Spain.

Potential return date: Aston Villa (a), 16 May 2025

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Maddison Setback Rules Midfielder Out for Season

James Maddison’s season has officially come to an early end after suffering a knee injury in the 3-1 semi-final first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt. Scans have confirmed the damage is significant enough to rule him out of the final three weeks of the campaign — including the final in Bilbao.

Postecoglou expressed his disappointment over losing one of his most influential players:

“Madders from the first leg, so he’s out. He’ll miss the rest of this season and it’s disappointing for him. I’m disappointed for him because he’s been a real catalyst for us. He’ll miss out but that’s been the story of our season.”

Maddison’s creativity and link-up play will be sorely missed as Spurs aim to secure their first European silverware since 1984.

Potential return date: Next season

Bergvall Blow Ends Promising Campaign

Lucas Bergvall’s momentum was cruelly halted just before the Europa League semi-final first leg, as the talented teenager suffered ankle ligament damage during the final training session.

The midfielder had just signed a new deal and was beginning to feature more regularly in the first-team squad. Postecoglou shared insight into the club’s handling of the situation:

“It’s not helpful… You can imagine, Lucas was devastated. He didn’t want to deal with it and we didn’t want to make it public… We wanted to protect him more than anything else, but those kinds of levels of decency and respect don’t exist anymore.”

His absence adds further depth issues for Postecoglou as Spurs juggle European ambition with a stretched squad.

Potential return date: June 2025

Dragusin Recovery Progressing After Surgery

Romanian defender Radu Dragusin remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury sustained in February. Tottenham confirmed the successful procedure, but the timeline for his return extends into the summer.

A club statement read:

“Radu underwent surgery today following his ACL injury. That procedure has now been completed, and the centre-back will now commence with his recovery before beginning the rehab process.”

His absence deprives Spurs of defensive reinforcement during a demanding run-in, though the focus remains firmly on a full recovery.