Tottenham Hotspur’s quest to end their 16-year trophy drought has suffered a major setback after Dejan Kulusevski was ruled out of the Europa League final against Manchester United due to a knee injury requiring surgery.
The Swedish midfielder was forced off in the 19th minute of Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace after a collision with defender Marc Guéhi. Initial assessments from manager Ange Postecoglou were uncertain, but further scans confirmed the need for an operation.
A club statement read: “We can confirm Dejan Kulusevski sustained a right patella injury during our match against Crystal Palace. Following specialist review, he has undergone surgery and will now begin rehabilitation with our medical team.”
Kulusevski, a key figure in Postecoglou’s system earlier this season, took to Instagram with an emotional message: “To those who brought me joy this year—thank you. I love you all. Don’t be sad; we’ll be back stronger.”
His absence compounds Tottenham’s injury crisis, with James Maddison already sidelined for the season and teenage prospect Lucas Bergvall picking up an ankle issue in training. Currently languishing in 17th in the Premier League, Spurs face a resurgent Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21, hoping to claim their first European trophy since 1984.
Amorim: Champions League Return Trumps Europa Glory for Man Utd
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has declared that securing Champions League qualification outweighs winning the Europa League, as the Red Devils prepare for their high-stakes final against Tottenham.
Victory in Bilbao would guarantee a direct entry into next season’s revamped Champions League—a financial lifeline worth at least £70 million for the struggling giants. With both clubs hovering just above the relegation zone, defeat would mean no European football at all in 2024/25.
“For me, the Champions League is more important—for planning, for prestige, for everything,” Amorim stated. “This club belongs in the Champions League. The Europa League isn’t enough. The best way to rebuild is through Champions League revenue, not just a trophy.”
Amorim’s tenure has been turbulent, with just six league wins in 25 games since his November appointment. Despite labeling this squad “the worst in United’s history,” he dismissed speculation about resigning if they lose the final.
“I won’t walk away. I see the problems clearly and know what needs fixing,” he insisted. “But if results don’t improve, the club will make changes—that’s football.”
In a gesture of solidarity, Amorim revealed he would help fund travel for his staff’s families to attend the final. Amid off-field turmoil—including hundreds of job cuts under Jim Ratcliffe’s partial ownership—Amorim acknowledged the toxic atmosphere but vowed to harness the Europa League as a catalyst for renewal.
“This season has been brutal, but the Europa League has given us a spark. We feel the belief returning,” he said. “Now we must deliver.”
