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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final and is "out for a few months" having undergone knee surgery.
Tottenham revealed on Wednesday that Kulusevski had undergone surgery on an injury to his right patella he sustained in Sunday's home defeat to Crystal Palace, although the club did not give a timescale on his return.
But Postecoglou said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's Premier League game at Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports, that the Sweden international will miss next Wednesday's Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
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He said: "Disappointing news. Initially, we thought it wasn't too serious. It seemed pretty good but it kind of blew up the day after.
"He has had surgery and it will put him out for a few months.
"We will see [back for next season]. To be honest, I have basic information on recovery. It will put him out for a while."
He added: "No, it wouldn't be anywhere near 12 months, but again me putting a timeframe on wouldn't be right because he only had the surgery yesterday.
"It's fair to say months, but how many months I wouldn't speculate at the moment.
"I think he's grown as a player this year, he captained his country and then sort of got hit with a foot injury which set him back but then - typical him - he worked hard at rehab and was really important for us away at Bodo.
"Started looking like he was getting back to himself, which would have been great for us, so for him to get another setback is is disappointing, but mentally he's a very strong guy and I'm sure he'll use this as a catalyst to come back stronger."
Kulusevski's injury is a major blow for Postecoglou, with the Australian facing a midfield selection crisis ahead of the final in Spain.
Postecoglou quashes Bergvall return rumours
James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall have both suffered season-ending injuries.
Maddison suffered a knee injury in the 3-1 Europa League semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt at the start of the month, while Bergvall suffered ankle ligament damage in training ahead of the same game.
Speculation was rife on social media on Wednesday night that the teenager could make a shock return against Man Utd, but Postecoglou has quashed those rumours.
He said of Bergvall: "No, it's still the same sort of timeframe.
"Never long term, but he's just got out of his boot and taking his first steps on the grass. He'll likely be a while."
The absence of the trio leaves Spurs desperately short of creativity for next Wednesday's final with Manchester United in Bilbao, where they will aim to end a 17-year trophy drought.
Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.
Analysis: Losing Kulusevski is more than a blow for Spurs
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:
Dejan Kulusevski missing the Europa League final is a big blow for Spurs in its own right. No player has more assists, chances created, dribbles completed or pressures in the final third across all competitions for Spurs this season than the Swede.
But losing the attacker in the wake of Spurs' other injuries takes it from a blow to a catastrophe.
Throw in injuries to fellow attacking midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to the mix and Spurs will be without a huge source of creative talent. The trio make up 30 per cent of the overall chances Spurs have mustered in all competitions this season.
It puts a lot of onus on Pedro Porro for creativity, with the right-back second to Kulusevski's chance creation total for the season, especially with Spurs captain Heung-Min Son struggling for form and fitness in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old has played just 32 minutes of football in the last month, as he bids to rebuild his fitness by playing against Aston Villa on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
Spurs and Ange Postecoglou will be hoping Son can find some sort of form to boost the club's weakened attack line.
Son will 'definitely' play against Aston Villa
Postecoglou confirmed that captain Heung-Min Son will feature at Villa Park on Friday.
The 32-year-old made his return during last weekend's 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, playing 33 minutes off the bench, having previously been sidelined for seven games with a foot injury.
"He'll definitely play tomorrow," Postecoglou said. "Whether he'll start or not, we'll see.
"He reacted well to Sunday, and it makes sense to get him more match minutes, whether it's starting or playing half of the game."
Son tells South Korean police he is victim of blackmail
Meanwhile, Son has filed a complaint to South Korean police alleging that he is the victim of blackmail.
According to South Korean news agency, Yonhap, Son is alleging that a woman claimed she was pregnant and blackmailed him, demanding money.
The criminal complaint has been made to the Gangnam Police Station in southern Seoul, who are investigating a woman in her 20s and a man on charges of extortion.
Yonhap are reporting that Son claims two people told him that the woman was pregnant in an attempt to extort several hundred million South Korean won from him in June 2024.
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final and is "out for a few months" having undergone knee surgery.
Tottenham revealed on Wednesday that Kulusevski had undergone surgery on an injury to his right patella he sustained in Sunday's home defeat to Crystal Palace, although the club did not give a timescale on his return.
But Postecoglou said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's Premier League game at Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports, that the Sweden international will miss next Wednesday's Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
Eighty per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports
Tottenham news & transfers⚪ | Spurs fixtures & scores
Got Sky? Watch Tottenham games LIVE on your phone📱
Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺
He said: "Disappointing news. Initially, we thought it wasn't too serious. It seemed pretty good but it kind of blew up the day after.
"He has had surgery and it will put him out for a few months.
"We will see [back for next season]. To be honest, I have basic information on recovery. It will put him out for a while."
Kulusevski's injury is a major blow for Postecoglou, with the Australian facing a midfield selection crisis ahead of the final in Spain.
Postecoglou quashes Bergvall return rumours
James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall have both suffered season-ending injuries.
Maddison suffered a knee injury in the 3-1 Europa League semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt at the start of the month, while Bergvall suffered ankle ligament damage in training ahead of the same game.
Speculation was rife on social media on Wednesday night that the teenager could make a shock return against Man Utd, but Postecoglou has quashed those rumours.
He said of Bergvall: "No, it's still the same sort of timeframe.
"Never long term, but he's just got out of his boot and taking his first steps on the grass. He'll likely be a while."
The absence of the trio leaves Spurs desperately short of creativity for next Wednesday's final with Manchester United in Bilbao, where they will aim to end a 17-year trophy drought.
Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.
Analysis: Losing Kulusevski is more than a blow for Spurs
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:
Dejan Kulusevski missing the Europa League final is a big blow for Spurs in its own right. No player has more assists, chances created, dribbles completed or pressures in the final third across all competitions for Spurs this season than the Swede.
But losing the attacker in the wake of Spurs' other injuries takes it from a blow to a catastrophe.
Throw in injuries to fellow attacking midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to the mix and Spurs will be without a huge source of creative talent. The trio make up 30 per cent of the overall chances Spurs have mustered in all competitions this season.
It puts a lot of onus on Pedro Porro for creativity, with the right-back second to Kulusevski's chance creation total for the season, especially with Spurs captain Heung-Min Son struggling for form and fitness in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old has played just 32 minutes of football in the last month, as he bids to rebuild his fitness by playing against Aston Villa on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
Spurs and Ange Postecoglou will be hoping Son can find some sort of form to boost the club's weakened attack line.
Son will 'definitely' play against Aston Villa
Postecoglou confirmed that captain Heung-Min Son will feature at Villa Park on Friday.
The 32-year-old made his return during last weekend's 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, playing 33 minutes off the bench, having previously been sidelined for seven games with a foot injury.
"He'll definitely play tomorrow," Postecoglou said. "Whether he'll start or not, we'll see.
"He reacted well to Sunday, and it makes sense to get him more match minutes, whether it's starting or playing half of the game."
Son tells South Korean police he is victim of blackmail
Meanwhile, Son has filed a complaint to South Korean police alleging that he is the victim of blackmail.
According to South Korean news agency, Yonhap, Son is alleging that a woman claimed she was pregnant and blackmailed him, demanding money.
The criminal complaint has been made to the Gangnam Police Station in southern Seoul, who are investigating a woman in her 20s and a man on charges of extortion.
Yonhap are reporting that Son claims two people told him that the woman was pregnant in an attempt to extort several hundred million South Korean won from him in June 2024.
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right knee ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League final against Manchester United.
Spurs have not ruled him out for the rest of the season and say he "will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately".
Kulusevski, who suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend, posted on Instagram after news of his surgery had been confirmed.
A video of his best moments from the season was accompanied by a caption, which read: "For the people that I gave joy this year, thank you. I appreciate you and I love you. I pray for you.
"Don't be sad, we will be back and we coming for everybody."
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The 25-year-old returned from a foot injury last month and featured in wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt that sealed the club's spot in the Europa League final which takes place next Wednesday in Bilbao.
Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.
Spurs, who have also lost James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to injury in the last two weeks, were boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son against Palace and Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.
Speaking on Monday, Postecoglou said: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.
"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.
"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.
"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver."
Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson had a scare during the club's opening training session this week after being accidentally caught by Sergio Reguilon, but was fine to continue.
Postecoglou joked: "I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy tackled Brennan and they're on the same team, so that is the way things are going!"
Son: Europa League glory 'final piece' I need in my Spurs puzzle
Son is desperate to lead Tottenham to Europa League glory and complete the missing "final piece" of his career at the club.
Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London but failed to land silverware and has watched long-serving team-mates Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane depart in recent years.
The South Korean has been involved in two painful cup final defeats for Tottenham to Liverpool - in the Champions League in 2019 and a Carabao Cup loss at Wembley to Manchester City four years ago - but believes the feeling around next Wednesday's showpiece against Manchester United is different.
During an interview with Korean media at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday, Son said: "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve.
"That's probably why I'm where I am now. You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I've gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete.
"It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time.
"It feels different this time. I really want to win - more than anyone else, I think. So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it."
Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right knee ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League final against Manchester United.
Spurs have not ruled him out for the rest of the season and say he "will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately".
Kulusevski suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.
Transfer Centre LIVE! | Tottenham news & transfers⚪
Got Sky? Watch Villa vs Spurs on Friday LIVE on your phone📱
Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺
The 25-year-old returned from a foot injury last month and featured in wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt that sealed the club's spot in the Europa League final which takes place next Wednesday in Bilbao.
Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.
Spurs, who have also lost James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to injury in the last two weeks, were boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son against Palace and Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.
Speaking on Monday, Postecoglou said: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.
"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.
"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.
"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver."
Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson had a scare during the club's opening training session this week after being accidentally caught by Sergio Reguilon, but was fine to continue.
Postecoglou joked: "I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy tackled Brennan and they're on the same team, so that is the way things are going!"
Son: Europa League glory "final piece" I need in my Spurs puzzle
Son is desperate to lead Tottenham to Europa League glory and complete the missing "final piece" of his career at the club.
Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London but failed to land silverware and has watched long-serving team-mates Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane depart in recent years.
The South Korean has been involved in two painful cup final defeats for Tottenham to Liverpool - in the Champions League in 2019 and a Carabao Cup loss at Wembley to Manchester City four years ago - but believes the feeling around next Wednesday's showpiece against Manchester United is different.
During an interview with Korean media at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday, Son said: "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve.
"That's probably why I'm where I am now. You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I've gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete.
"It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time.
"It feels different this time. I really want to win - more than anyone else, I think. So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it."
Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right patella ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League final against Manchester United.
Spurs have not ruled him out for the rest of the season and say he "will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately".
Kulusevski suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.
Transfer Centre LIVE! | Tottenham news & transfers⚪
Got Sky? Watch Villa vs Spurs on Friday LIVE on your phone📱
Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺
The 25-year-old returned from a foot injury last month and featured in wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt that sealed the club's spot in the Europa League final which takes place next Wednesday in Bilbao.
Spurs, who have also lost James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to injury in the last two weeks, were boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son against Palace and Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.
Speaking on Monday, Postecoglou said: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.
"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.
"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.
"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver."
Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson had a scare during the club's opening training session this week after being accidentally caught by Sergio Reguilon, but was fine to continue.
Postecoglou joked: "I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy tackled Brennan and they're on the same team, so that is the way things are going!"
Son: Europa League glory "final piece" I need in my Spurs puzzle
Son is desperate to lead Tottenham to Europa League glory and complete the missing "final piece" of his career at the club.
Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London but failed to land silverware and has watched long-serving team-mates Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane depart in recent years.
The South Korean has been involved in two painful cup final defeats for Tottenham to Liverpool - in the Champions League in 2019 and a Carabao Cup loss at Wembley to Manchester City four years ago - but believes the feeling around next Wednesday's showpiece against Manchester United is different.
During an interview with Korean media at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday, Son said: "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve.
"That's probably why I'm where I am now. You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I've gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete.
"It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time.
"It feels different this time. I really want to win - more than anyone else, I think. So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it."
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It is not every day - or season - that a team finds itself preparing for a major European final. In fact, there are just three and it's a long road to reach them. But for Tottenham Hotspur and Yves Bissouma, that is exactly where they find themselves.
Spurs will face Manchester United in the Europa League final on May 21, with both looking to redeem a season that, domestically, has been disappointing.
But they have somehow found a way to perform in the continental competition. Tottenham Hotspur finished fourth in the league phase - a point behind Manchester United in third - and cruised to a 5-2 win against Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals.
Ange Postecoglou: Trophy win could be turning point for Spurs
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And Bissouma wants to top what he describes as a night he will never forget.
"It was the best night of my life because I qualified for the final of the Europa League," the midfielder, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, said of the second leg in Norway.
"Nothing can change it in my life and I will never forget this. And I know I can have one night that can be better than this so I'm trying to work hard to be ready for that.
"It's not every time you have a chance to play a European final and it's not something that's coming every season, so a special moment like this, you feel it like a dream. I don't want to wake up.
"I realise it's not a dream, we worked hard for that to be where we are now. The club deserves it, the fans and we deserve it as well because every day we're working really hard to be where we are now.
"We have to do the right things to bring that trophy home."
Bissouma had predicted after the second leg that Daniel Levy would be singing along with the players on the plane home. "I was excited and happy!" he said with a laugh, without revealing if the Spurs chairman did take the mic.
How Bissouma form has turned around
The Mali international was a big part of Tottenham's semi-final success. Across the two legs, he ranked joint-top for shots and possessions won in the defensive third. He was also in the top four for tackles, interceptions and possessions won in the midfield third.
But Bissouma was quick to point out how those at the club helped him to do so, saying: "It's not just me, it's a team.
"We work so hard - the coaches, all of the staff, the players. We are a Spurs family. This season was really hard for us and it's not the time for us to give up. We're all staying together.
"Maybe you saw me play, but the coaches, the information they gave me, for me to do it on the pitch, the way we train, all these things help me to play like I played.
"It's a team win and I'm really happy for that because now we have what we wanted. Now, it's one more game, so let's be ready and go."
It marks a turnaround for Bissouma, where his performances this season have not always reflected the talent he has - arguably reflective of Tottenham Hotspur's campaign overall.
After losing late on to Fulham in March, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said the midfielder can "sometimes let the game drift by him" and wanted Bissouma to be more dominant on the ball.
But before facing Crystal Palace, Postecoglou spoke of his pride in his player after his Europa League performances, saying the pair had spoken recently when the head coach told Bissouma he would be needed to help the team in a crucial moment.
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"I'm here for my team. Even if I play or not, I always have to be ready. That's the way I grew up - that's my mentality. I will never give up," he reflected.
"The more it's hard, the more I work hard. I was thinking like, 'my time will come. I have to be ready if my team needs me, if the coach needs me' so it was in my mind.
"I was ready before we spoke so that's not new for me. To come back and play for the important game of the season, it shows how he [Postecoglou] trusts me and he knows I can do the job.
"It's always a pleasure to work with Ange. I have a good relationship with him. He's one of the managers who really understands players and tries to do his best for his team. He puts in all of his energy for success.
"I take it [any criticism] in a good way because when I was good, he was telling me I was good. And when I'm not, if he says that, I take it in a good way.
"He said that for me to improve, to show him the best [player] he knows, it's making me work hard to be at my best.
"You prepare yourself during pre-season to have a really good season, but sometimes, things happen and you have to deal with it. It's important to stay strong, mentally especially, because it's not easy.
"And I understand when some fans are not happy with me. It's because they know I'm a really good player, they know how I can help the team and they're frustrated because I'm not doing what I can do. I understand and I take it in a good way.
"That's why all these things make me work harder to become at my best, try to help my team and bring them to the level that this club needs to be."
It goes without saying that Bissouma will need to harness all of his recent form to help Tottenham Hotspur lift their first trophy since 2008 next week, as well as ending their Premier League season on a positive note.