Tottenham star James Maddison has spoken out for the first time since it was confirmed he would miss the Europa League final clash with Manchester United.
Spurs booked their spot in the final at the San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, on May 21 with a 5-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.
After winning 3-1 in the first leg the week prior, Ange Postecoglou's men travelled to Norway and put in a professional performance to win 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro.
It means Spurs are one victory away from ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy but they come up against one of their Premier League rivals. Like Tottenham, United have endured a terrible domestic season and can saviour their campaign with a trophy.
However, despite Postecoglou's injury list drastically decreasing in recent weeks, Maddison will sit out of the Bilbao final after being ruled out for the rest of the season. The playmaker was forced off in the first leg of the semi-final after scoring the second goal of the night.
"Unfortunately Madders last week hurt his knee and it looks like he's got an issue there," Postecoglou confirmed. "That'll keep him out for the rest of the season which is disappointing... disappointing for him, more than anything because he's been important for us, particularly this latter part of the year and particularly in Europe - he's been a catalyst for a lot of our good stuff.
"It's really disappointing for him but it has been a constant of our season to deal with things like this and it's just another one we need to overcome."
After watching his side book their place in the final, Maddison has took to social media to break his silence over his injury heartbreak. "Gutted. Just absolutely gutted," he wrote.
"Weโve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take. Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club.
"Bring on the 21st. All together."