It’s the game that neither side can afford to lose. For Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, the season hinges on next Wednesday night’s Europa League final in Bilbao, which for one club will help salvage an otherwise torrid season.
It remains to be seen whether a European trophy and Champions League qualification will be enough to save the positions of Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim. However, either manager must improve on domestic form. They also have a host of injury worries to deal with just three days out from the final.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Spurs are currently sweating over the fitness of Lucas Bergvall, who faces a race against time to be fit following an ankle injury. United, meanwhile, will give Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven as long as they need to prove their fitness
Regardless, neither Premier League side will be at full strength, and some pivotal figures have already been ruled out. Express Sport brings you the lowdown on who will be missing from Bilbao…
Tottenham: James Maddison
The influential midfielder limped off during the semi-final first leg of his side’s 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt. Postecoglou initially played down fears over the extent of the knock to the 28-year-old, only to later reveal he will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. He’ll be in the stands in Spain.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski
If Maddison’s omission is a hammer blow to Postecoglou, then Dejan Kulusevski’s absence could be a seismic one. The Swedish forward has arguably been his side’s most creative attacking force this season, and yet was risked in the league game with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The 25-year-old duly hobbled off after only 19 minutes. Again, Postecoglou initially played down injury fears, but now it’s emerged the star has undergone knee surgery and will be sitting next to Maddison in Bilbao.
Tottenham: Radu Dragusin
The Romanian centre-back has long been ruled out until the summer, after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury in February. His Australian boss has long admitted that the start of pre-season in July is his most realistic target date to return.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Man Utd: Lisandro Martinez
Ever since the Argentine centre-back was stretchered off in tears against Crystal Palace in February, it looked as if his season was over. That duly proved the case when scans revealed an ACL injury, and like his opposite number, Draguisin, the focus has long been on being fit for next season.
Man Utd: Joshua Zirkzee
The Dutchman was showing signs of improvement under Amorim when his season took a cruel twist, quite literally. He was moving sharply on the ball against Newcastle last month before pulling up as he turned with the ball, and the Dutch forward’s worst fears were realised days later when he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a thigh problem.