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All the key dates for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League with Arsenal and Tottenham already confirming their spots.

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Tottenham became the second London club to book their place in the 2025/26 Champions League on Wednesday night. Spurs defeated Manchester United in Bilbao thanks to Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal, and they ended a 17-year trophy drought in the process.

Spurs also secured qualification to next season’s Champions League, and they know they will be joined by Arsenal, who have wrapped up second place in the Premier League with a game to spare. That means we already have two London clubs in next season’s Champions League league phase, and we could yet get three, with Chelsea hoping to secure a top five finish and qualification of their own on Sunday, facing Nottingham Forest for the privilege.

Chelsea know a win will do the trick, while they can also draw, but they would need Aston Villa to draw or lose or Newcastle United to lose. With up to three London clubs in next season’s Champions League, we have rounded up all the key dates for next season’s competition.

When are the league phase matches in the 2025/26 Champions League?

Here are all of the dates for the Champions League league phase in the 2025/26 season. Arsenal, Tottenham and potentially Chelsea will play eight games in all. The dates are as follows:

Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025

Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025

Matchday 3: 21/22 October 2025

Matchday 4: 4/5 November 2025

Matchday 5: 25/26 November 2025

Matchday 6: 9/10 December 2025

Matchday 7: 20/21 January 2026

Matchday 8: 28 January 2026

Can the London clubs face each other?

No, Arsenal and Tottenham cannot face each other at the league phase of the Champions League, and that also applies to Chelsea if they make it. The earliest teams from the same nation can face each other in the Champions League is the Round of 16.

When is the 2025/26 Champions League knockout phase?

For those teams who progress to the Champions League knockout phase next season, the following dates will need to be added to their schedules, depending on how far they get:

Knockout phase play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026

Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026

Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026

Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026

Final: 30 May 2026 (Budapest)

When are the 2025/26 Champions League draws?

For the English clubs who secure qualification, and we already know that includes Arsenal and Tottenham, the following draw dates apply:

League phase: 28 August 2025

Knockout phase play-offs: 30 January 2026

Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final: 27 February 2026

Where is the Champions League final in 2026?

The 2026 Champions League final will take place in Hungary’s Puskás Arena. The stadium usually holds up to 67,215 people, though the record attendance is 65,114. As well as Euro 2020 fixtures, the stadium previously held the 2023 UEFA Europa League final between Sevilla and AS Roma.

A look at what the Europa League final could be worth to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

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Tottenham are now just hours away from taking on Manchester United in their Europa League final in Bilbao. Spurs are hoping to salvage silverware and Champions League qualification from what has been a hugely disappointing campaign.

Ange Postecoglou is also fighting for his job to boot, making this a hugely important fixture for all involved. Here we take a look at what it could be worth to Tottenham and Manchester United financially.

What is the Europa League prize money for winners and runners’ up?

In terms of upfront money, the Europa League winners will claim £5million, while both finalists have also received £5.9million for just making the final. On top of the prize money, the Europa League winners receive automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League league phase. That means a guaranteed £15.9million. Of course, that figure would rise if the winners draw or win games in next season’s Champions League, with stalemates and victories coming with extra payments, while defeats are unpaid aside from the initial qualification payment.

Tottenham have earned £26.5million in prize money from the Europa League this season, and that includes the £5.9million mentioned that teams receive for reaching the final.

Tottenham’s fitness boost

Tottenham will get forward Heung-min Son back to full fitness for the final, with the South Korean getting a first start since his injury over the weekend. He said after the game: “I feel good, a little tired, first game back, but physically I feel good and ready to go. Today, 70 minutes, it was good to get that game time in my legs. Crystal Palace as well, when I came on and played 25, 30 minutes last week. The most important thing is everybody got fit for Wednesday. I’ll be ready for Wednesday.”

On his injury, he added: "It’s been very tough to watch and not be involved. It’s one of the tough moments when you’re not actually there. The lads did a fantastic job. I was very happy because the hard work has paid off, and I was so happy to see the boys celebrating. They deserved that. The job is not finished. We have a massive job on Wednesday to do that. I believe we can do it."

On the final itself, Son continued: “As I said, our objective is to get a result on Wednesday, so let’s get everyone together on Wednesday, from now on, everyone together, one goal, together it will happen.”

United receive triple boost

Manchester United have also been handed boosts for the final - three of them, in fact. The United club site confirmed the return of three players to training ahead of the team jetting off to Northern Spain. The website stated: “Manchester United appear to have received a triple boost on the eve of the UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

“Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee have had spells on the sidelines in the build-up to Wednesday's big game, but all three players were spotted taking part in the team's pre-flight session on the Carrington grass this (Tuesday) morning. While their availability for the final is still to be confirmed, the fact they were involved in the portion of training captured live on MUTV is surely an encouraging sign ahead of the expected announcement of Ruben Amorim's travelling group later today.”

Real Betis have been shown an act of grace by La Liga ahead of facing Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final.

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Chelsea are set to face a Real Betis outfit with fresher legs than expected in the Europa Conference League final next week as La Liga has acted in a bid to help the Spanish outfit win the tournament.

The Blues face Real Betis at the Wrocław Stadium on Wednesday, June 28 as Enzo Maresca looks for his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager. The London outfit overcame Djurgarden in the semi-final with their opponents getting the better of Fiorentina.

Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday as the Premier League campaign finishes for the 2025/26 season. That’s an important fixture for Maresca with the Champions League places still not decided - Forest sit in seventh but are just one point off Chelsea and Newcastle United in fourth and third.

La Liga move Real Betis fixture in blow for Chelsea

It’s set to be a manic end to the league season but that won’t be the case for Real Betis. The Spanish outfit was due to play in La Liga on Sunday night against Valencia in a fixture that already had little riding on it. Real Betis have already secured a Europa League group stage place and are guaranteed to finish sixth with their opponents in mid table.

As a result, La Liga has moved the match. BBC reporter Nizaar Kinsella wrote on social media platform X: “La Liga have allowed Real Betis to move their fixture against Valencia to Friday instead of Sunday night. It gives two more days to prepare for the Conference League final. There is nothing on the game after Betis lost to Atletico Madrid. Valencia are also mid-table.”

That’s a major boost for Real Betis, who are managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini. Ideally, for Chelsea, their opponents would have gone into the Conference League final with more wearisome legs.

Why Premier League won’t move Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

The Premier League has already proven it can act favourably towards UK teams in European competitions but won’t move Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest with all fixtures on the final day of the season kicking off at the same time to ensure fairness.

Tottenham Hotspur did ask the Premier League to move their match against Aston Villa last weekend to allow for more time ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday. A statement from the league earlier this month read: “The Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur has been given a new date of Friday 16 May, kicking off at 19:30 BST.

“This is following a request from Spurs in view of their potential participation in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday 21 May. Additionally, the match between Chelsea and Manchester United, also taking place on Friday 16 May, will now kick off at 20:15 BST. Both matches remain live on Sky Sports in the UK.”

In other news, Chelsea's remaining fixture compared to Newcastle United, Aston Villa and others after fresh twists.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mikey Moore was likened to Neymar by teammate James Maddison.

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Millwall may have suffered heartbreak on the final day of the Championship season when missing out on a play-off place but there remains an air of optimism at The Den ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Alex Neil has settled into life in London with aplomb and created a Lions side capable of picking up big results in a matter of months. The Scotsman and the club will now turn attention to the summer transfer window.

If Millwall are looking to mount a play-off push next season and target a debut in the Premier League then they must add players with that something special to get them there. One of those could be Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mikey Moore.

Tottenham Hotspur teenager compared to Neymar

The 17-year-old made his Spurs debut more than a year ago, becoming the youngest Tottenham Hotspur player to feature in the Premier League at 16 years old. Moore has gone on to be a regular in Ange Postecoglou’s first team squad despite not cementing a place in the starting XI.

The midfielder, who is a product of the youth academy at Tottenham Hotspur, has made 21 appearances for the club with one goal and two assists. His goal came in a 1-0 win over Elfsborg in January and Moore could be part of the Spurs team that lifts the Europa League trophy this week.

James Maddison heaped praise on Moore in October when speaking to TNT Sports following a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar, a match in which the teenager played 87 minutes. Maddison said: "I thought we had Neymar on the left wing! He is fearless, [he has] that young, fearless mentality. He's a brilliant lad, he has bags of ability. I will hopefully help him with wise words but he has all the ability and well done to him."

Postecoglou was keen not to put too much pressure on the rising star but was confident that the player’s feet are firmly on the ground. After that AZ Alkmaar game, the Aussie said: "I think we all understand with young players, you have to be careful but after the game, I don't get the sense that that's going to affect Mikey at all. There's no denying he was great last night. I thought he was great the whole game. It's exciting for us."

Millwall should swoop for Mikey Moore loan deal

There’s no doubt over Moore’s potential and his ability to make something happen in midfield - his best games have come against smaller European sides who may be more akin to the quality of the Championship. There remain questions over whether he is ready to play in the Premier League every week.

The teenager started the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last week with Postecoglou rotating his team but was rated just 5/10 for his performance. Football.London claimed that the player ‘didn’t produce enough’ and ‘has the ability to take people on but seemed reluctant to do it’. Meanwhile, The Standard added that he ‘looks reluctant to take risks at this level’.

Moore is clearly a player in need of experience away from the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur won’t sell the youngster but Millwall should move to bring the midfielder in on loan. The star also has links to Millwall with family believed to be fans of the club, which could also help Neil in persuading the teenager to come find that missing confidence at a slightly lower level.

While those 5/10 reviews and questions over the player’s character hint at some risk, recruiting Moore on a temporary basis is surely worth the punt for Millwall. The teenager is exciting, has Premier League experience and would arrive with a point to prove.

In other news, QPR and Millwall transfer target becomes free agent as R's also linked with 20-goal EFL bagsman.

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Steve Parish has confirmed that Oliver Glasner will manager Crystal Palace for the 2025/26 season.

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Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish is adamant that Oliver Glasner will still be the manager of the club next season despite reports linking the Austrian with Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are expected to part ways with Ange Postecoglou this summer after an underwhelming Premier League season. The north London outfit could still lift the Europa League trophy this week but even that piece of silverware is not expected to be enough to save the Aussie.

Glasner is one of several names touted as a potential replacement for Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, alongside Fulham and AFC Bournemouth managers Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola. The Sun has claimed that since the FA Cup triumph, Glasner is the frontrunner for the role.

Oliver Glasner ‘guaranteed’ to stay at Crystal Palace

However, Parish has squashed those rumours. Crystal Palace are in talks with Glasner over a new deal, with his current one expiring in 2026, and can now offer the coach the chance to work in the Europa League next term.

The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath wrote on social media platform X: “Oliver Glasner & #CPFC have opened talks over a contract extension, with chairman Steve Parish guaranteeing him staying next season.”

RB Leipzig are also said to be interest in Glasner with Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl named as a potential successor at Selhurst Park earlier this month. However, Parish said: “He [Glasner] will stay here. For some period of time. I am trying to live in the moment. What happens down the track, summer transfer window, players … it’s for tomorrow. But he’ll be here next year and then we’ll take it from there.

“Everybody knows the length of Oliver’s contract. Beyond that we’ll have to talk. We want to try and extend his contract. But it needs to be right for everybody and today is not a time to think about it.

“We have been talking about it. For Oliver, it’s not about the things that maybe people think it’s about. Oliver wants to be part of something that’s going in a direction, same with all of us. I think that’s what we’ll talk about. Before finals, it’s not a time for all of that. After finals is probably not a time for that. But somewhere down the track we’ll have a conversation and see what we all feel.”

Ange Postecoglou has ‘no idea’ about Tottenham Hotspur future

Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace in February 2024 and finished the previous campaign in head-turning form, losing just three of the club’s final 13 Premier League matches to finish a record-equalling 10th place. The manager helped the club to its first major piece of silverware on Saturday.

Spurs boss Postecoglou has not confirmed whether he will leave his post at the end of the season but has also not spoken with confidence that he will remain at the club. When asked what would happen in mid April, he said: "No - no idea. We have a game tomorrow night, but it's not something I need to think about. I've never thought about those things in terms of what is important.

"What is important is the game that's a massive opportunity for this group of players and this football club to get closer to achieving what everyone wants to achieve. Anything other than that, particularly in terms of me, I don't really have much thought process that thinks about my career or what I'm doing in that way."

In other news, Crystal Palace must spend FA Cup prize money on QPR transfer - opinion.

Premier League prize money will be shared out this weekend when the 2025/26 season comes to a close, and there’s still plenty to play for.

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Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur all have just one more fixture to play in a Premier League season that has been disappointing for all three of the London clubs.

The Gunners will end the season in second place but that lofty position is still ultimately one place off the target for the 2025/26 season with Liverpool runaway Champions. Spurs and the Hammers are at the opposite end of the table but finish closer to relegation than the European places.

Speaking after an important 1-0 win against Newcastle United, which secured Champions League football at the Emirates Stadium next season, Arteta was staunch in defending his team’s campaign. When asked what his assessment would be after full-time, the Spaniard said: “I would leave that for the summer. I've done it in the dressing room and for me it's very clear. But I'm there every day.

Mikel Arteta proud of Arsenal progress

“I know what we've been through for nine and a half months. I know what we've done. I know very well the history of the Premier League and the teams that have been in 30% of the situations that we've been in. They have collapsed, completely collapsed, and we haven't. I really value that because that shows that we have built something that is very, very sustainable and consistent, regardless of people who don't like to see it.”

Arteta may have a point but there are few positives that West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur will be able to find in the Premier League. Elsewhere in London, Brentford have once again built towards cementing their status as Premier League mainstays while Crystal Palace tasted FA Cup success last weekend.

It may seem as if Spurs and West Ham have little to play for against Brighton and Ipswich Town this weekend, but positions between 14th and 17th can still change with each place worth a sizeable chunk of prize money to those sides.

Premier League prize money 2025/26

Last season, top flight clubs received a total of £2.84 billion, which comprised of six payments through a central revenue system. For the 2023/24 season, Football 365 reports that the difference in prize money for each Premier League position was around £2.8 million.

This differs each season - it was £3.1 million in 2022/23 - but can offer a rough guide of how much each Premier League club will have injected into their finances ahead of the summer window. If the Premier League was to finish as it is right now, this is how much Arsenal, West Ham , Tottenham Hotspur and rivals would take home if the prize money was the same as last year.

Liverpool - £53.4 million

Arsenal - £53.5 million

Newcastle United - £50.7 million

Chelsea - £47.9 million

Aston Villa - £45.1 million

Manchester City - £42.2 million

Nottingham Forest - £39.4 million

Brentford - £36.7 million

Brighton - £33.8 million

Fulham - £31 million

AFC Bournemouth- £28.2 million

Crystal Palace - £25.4 million

Everton - £22.5 million

Wolves - £19.7 million

West Ham - £16.9 million

Manchester United - £14 million

Tottenham Hotspur - £11.3 million

Ipswich Town - £8.5 million

Leicester City - £5.7 million

Southampton - £2.8 million

In other news, West Ham risk FA fine to compound Graham Potter misery.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be eyeing a move for a Crystal Palace ace

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The biggest moment of Tottenham Hotspur’s season will take place on Wednesday night, when they face off with Premier League rivals Manchester United for the Europa League trophy.

This could represent the biggest night in a generation for Spurs fans, with their 17-year wait for major silverware following them around year on year - and a place in the Champions League next season up for grabs for the winners.

Champions League football would be priceless for Spurs if they are to bring in major transfer targets and avoid a repeat of this year’s Premier League campaign, where they inexplicably sit in 17th place in the top flight - just a place above the relegation zone - having essentially given up on the league season along with United in recent weeks in order to rest players for the Europa League.

Spurs will be looking to replicate the achievements of Crystal Palace, who had their own major moment when they won the first-ever major trophy in their history on Saturday with a 1-0 FA Cup final win against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of a game which will go down in Eagles folklore, with reports emerging that Eze is a target for Spurs this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur willing to offer £68m for Eze

According to a report by Fichajes, Spurs are ready to meet Crystal Palace’s £68m release clause for Eze, viewing him as the perfect player for Ange Postecoglou’s midfield as the 26-year-old looks to take the next step in his career.

The North Londoners have been a fan of Eze for a while, but may have to face competition for his signature from a host of the Premier League’s top clubs. However, they could have an advantage in the race as they are willing to make the £68m offer.

While no official approach has yet been made, it is expected that an offer matching Eze’s release clause may soon be made by Spurs as they attempt to seal what would be a major transfer coup.

Where would Eze fit in with Tottenham?

While most at home in attacking midfield with the freedom to create, Eze also offers versatility and can operate from the left wing. He has been on fire as of late, scoring six goals in his last five matches in all competitions to reach 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, the highest return of his Palace career so far. His strikes in the FA Cup semi-final and final will be the most memorable, but Eze has undoubtedly lit up the Premier League too as of late.

Eze has been known for his guile and ability to glide past opponents with the ball at his feet ever since his days starring for QPR in the Championship as a 21-year-old, and he has only improved each year since signing for Palace for an initial £16m in 2020.

Speaking on the player Oliver Glasner said back in September: “Who’s a better player than Eze? For me he’s absolutely top, if he was luckier this season he would have five or six goals. He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability.

“He’s such an unbelievable finisher, in some situations he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score and he’s someone who everyone likes. This is why he’s on the pitch because he’s able to score goals.”

While Eagles fans would be sad to say goodbye to their talisman, they will take comfort in knowing his contribution on Saturday gave them a day they will never forget.

Tottenham will get a chance to see a familiar face before the start of next season.

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Tottenham have confirmed a reunion with club legend Harry Kane. Spurs face a big summer, needing to improve significantly on their efforts this season, although they don’t yet know whether they will be preparing for a Champions League campaign or one without Europe.

Spurs have a Europa League final with Manchester United on Wednesday, and if they win that, they will secure Champions League football for next season. If they lose, they will miss out on Europe altogether after a disastrous Premier League campaign.

Either way, significant improvement is required, and whether Ange Postecoglou keeps his job or not, the bar will be set much higher next term. In a bid to get up to speed next season, Tottenham have booked a pre-season friendly with one of the best teams in Europe.

Spurs will face Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly on August 7, shortly before the start of the new Premier League season. A statement confirmed: “Our Men’s First Team will travel to FC Bayern in pre-season for the Telekom Cup on Thursday 7 August, kick-off 6.30pm (local time) at Allianz Arena. Recently crowned Bundesliga champions for the 2024/25 season, Vincent Kompany’s side - with our all-time leading goalscorer, Harry Kane, in their ranks - claimed the title for a record-extending 33rd time.

“We twice faced the German giants during our pre-season schedule in 2024, first in our final tour outing in Seoul, South Korea, on 3 August and then back home at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a week later. In a repeat of the curtain-raiser to the new campaign in N17 last summer, this latest meeting with Bayern will see us return to their Bavarian home for the first time since the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League group stage.

“Please note, there will be no away supporter allocation provided for this fixture. Tottenham Hotspur fans wishing to attend the match are now invited to purchase from all available seats in the general ticket sale directly via the Bayern Munich website - follow the link below...”

The fixture means Tottenham will likely go up against club legend Kane, who had enjoyed a superb campaign with the German side. Kane will likely win the Bundesliga golden boot, holding a five-goal lead over his nearest rival, firing Bayern to the Bundesliga title this season. The title is Kane’s first major trophy.

Kane said after winning the title: "It feels amazing, to be honest. Obviously it's been a long time coming and a lot of hard work throughout the season. I'm just proud, proud of the boys and proud that my family and kids are here. It's just a great feeling and I'm looking forward to enjoying the next weeks."

The Kane reunion will be an interesting one, and there is scope for another reunion in the Champions League should Tottenham qualify. Though, we have much time between now and then, and there could yet be changes aplenty at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Postecoglou fighting for his job heading into the final week or so.

All the confirmed injury news surrounding Tottenham and Aston Villa as they prepare to face off at Villa Park.

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Tottenham are back in action on Friday night in what is their last game before Wednesday’s Europa League final with Manchester United. Spurs need to win both games to equal their record-low Premier League points tally, but the reality is that most fans will take close to any result in exchange for the whole squad getting through this game injury-free.

Ange Postecoglou is likely to rest some key players, especially having already lost a number of stars for the final, while Aston Villa will be going all-out for three points here. Unai Emery’s men are goal difference off the final Champions League spot, and they know they will likely need to win both of their remaining games to stand a chance of qualification. Here we round up the final injury news surrounding both teams.

Jacob Ramsey - Out (Suspended)

Ramsey was sent off with a second yellow card last time out and will be suspended for this one.

Marcus Rashford - Out

Rashford has been ruled out, with Emery confirming in his pre-match press conference: “Youri and Marcus tomorrow are not available. Ramsey is suspended. The other players are available." He added: “We have to do each step forward, testing and analysing how he is recovering. I don’t know if Tielemans will be available physically. They [Rashford and Tielemans] are working in the training facilities every day and feeling better.”

Youri Tielemans - Out

The above update also applies to Tielemans.

Dejan Kulusevski - Out

Kulusevski is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery. A statement confirmed: “We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend. Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today (Wednesday) and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately.” Postecoglou added on the injury blow: "It’s obviously disappointing news. Initially we thought it wasn’t too serious because obviously the medical team were worried about how the knee was structurally, but it seemed pretty good. But then it kind of blew up a day after and so we knew there was an issue there. He’s had surgery and it will put him out at least for a few months."

Lucas Bergvall - Out

Postecoglou has said when asked if Bergvall will be back before the Europa League final: “Yeah, that is unlikely. If we had another two weeks, potentially he could. I am sure he will be trying, I am sure Madders will be trying, mate, just to get the strip on. Unfortunate for both of those guys, but that has been our season. Nothing has run smoothly. I am sure there will be parts of themselves disappointed they are not part of this most important part, but they have been so integral to us getting here.”

Heung-min Son - Fit

Postecoglou has confirmed that Son will play in this one. He said in his pre-match press conference: "Sonny will definitely play tomorrow, whether or not we start with him, I'll have a look at, but he reacted well to playing the other day, no issues with his foot, he's trained well and it makes sense for him to get more match minutes. It could be as a starter, if not, he'll definitely play at least half the game."

James Maddison - Out

Maddison recently suffered a knee injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season. The Spurs boss said: “Madders from the first leg, so he's out. He'll miss the rest of this season and it’s disappointing for him. I'm disappointed for him because he's been a real catalyst for us. He'll miss out but that's been the story of our season.”

Radu Dragusin - Out

Dragusin is out for the rest of the season and likely a chunk of next term with an ACL injury. Postecoglou confirmed at the time: “Radu underwent surgery today following his ACL injury. That procedure has now been completed, and the centre-back will now commence with his recovery before beginning the rehab process.”

Your next Tottenham read, Tottenham 'magician' undergoes surgery in mammoth blow

Yesteryear, Ange Postecoglou may have been punished for huge changes to his team but now Tottenham Hotspur must exploit that old rule change.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou joked that he would be wrapping his squad in ‘cotton wool’ this week ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United next week. He may have cracked a wry smile when uttering that phrase but the Aussie should not be joking in the slightest.

The Premier League season is over for the north London club. It’s been a disaster and an embarrassment that won’t be hidden even if Spurs manage to thrash Aston Villa at Villa Park and record a triumphant victory against Brighton on the final day of the campaign.

Postecoglou and the club know that the only way to salvage something from the 2024/25 campaign is by getting their hands on the Europa League trophy. It’s been a spectacular cup run and the season hinges on the final in Bilbao next week. Win, and Tottenham Hotspur remember a historic campaign. Lose, and it’s the worst season in years.

Tottenham Hotspur managing fresh injury blow

A primary reason why it has been such a poor season for Postecoglou’s men is a plague of injuries that have run through the squad. Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Wlison Odobert, Ben Davies and Richarlison are just a handful of first team stars who have missed a chunk of action.

Now, ahead of that Europa League final, Tottenham Hotspur have been rocked by the news that Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery and will miss out. The 25-year-old is a vital player for Postecoglou thanks to his versatility but joins James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dane Scarlett on the injury table.

Clearly, Spurs are struggling to keep players fit this season and the club needs its squad at top strength to overcome an unpredictable Manchester United outfit. Any further injuries must be avoided at all cost.

Postecoglou said: “We’ve got enough injuries. I’ll put them in cotton wool for the next ten days. Seriously, with the way things have gone this year, any extra curricular activities are going to be at a minimum.”

It’s therefore somewhat frustrating to hear that the Spurs boss will ‘definitely’ be fielding captain Son Heung-min against Aston Villa on Friday night. The South Korean has been battling his own fitness problems but looks set to feature in the final... so long as he does not aggravate anything at Villa Park.

Postecoglou has also spoken of using the Aston Villa match as a chance for key players to impress and ensure a place on the starting XI next week but he is playing with fire on the injury front. The Tottenham Hotspur manager must rotate his squad as much as possible and key his starting XI to take on Manchester United in that cotton wool he speaks of.

Premier League makes rotation rule change in 2011

Previously, making dramatic changes to his starting XI may have been penalised by the Premier League. Blackpool were fined £25,000 for rotating 10 of their starting XI during their time in the top flight.

That rule ensured that there was always a level playing field and that, for example, the Spurs team that Aston Villa face is as strong as another team had to play at a different stage of the season - especially important given the Villains’ involvement in the race for Champions League football.

However, that rule changed in 2011 and means that Postecoglou can keep as many of his best players away from the action as he likes. Following the 2010/11 campaign, clubs agreed to modify the rules to allow for mass rotation. A spokesman for the Premier League said at the time: "The clubs voted at the last Premier League Annual General Meeting to modify the rule regarding clubs fielding full strength teams (E.20). From 2011/12 onwards the rule will allow any combination of players included in a club's 25-man squad list to be selected for a Premier League fixture.

"The 25-man squad rules do allow clubs to pick Under-21 players beyond those named in their squad list and, with this in mind, it was agreed by the clubs that it was appropriate for the rule to remain in place in order to ensure the integrity of the competition."

Postecoglou must remind himself of that rule and seek reassurance from it. The Europa League final is all or nothing and the meeting with Aston Villa this week cannot be to the detriment of that giant European clash.

In other news, Jonathan David makes announcement amid Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham links.