Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur booked their places in the Europa League final on Thursday night with victories over Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has admitted he is 'gutted' that he will be missing the Europa League final against Manchester United in less than two weeks.
United and Spurs both booked their places in the European finale on Thursday night with comfortable victories over Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt, respectively. The Reds, inspired by Mason Mount, eased to a 4-1 win at Old Trafford to advance 7-1 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, a professional Tottenham beat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in Norway to advance 5-1 on aggregate. The results means that United and Spurs will be battling it out to become the sixth English club in the Champions League next season despite their horrid Premier League campaigns.
Ahead of the final on May 21, Tottenham are already struggling with an injury crisis as key midfielder Maddison was ruled out for the season with a knee injury earlier this week. This of course means that the England international will not be in the squad that faces Ruben Amorim's side in Bilbao.
On Friday, with the final now confirmed, Maddison released a statement on Instagram expressing his regret that he won't be playing in the game. "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. #COYS"
It has been a challenging season for Maddison, like it has been for many of the players that will take the field in Bilbao, but he still remains a big loss for Ange Postecoglou's side. He has scored 12 goals this season, including a winner over United in the Premier League, and bagged himself 11 assists across all competitions.
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