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The Tottenham Hotspur players and backroom staff have today boarded their flight to the Netherlands.

Tottenham’s attention turns briefly to the Europa League as they prepare to face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar tomorrow evening.

The North Londoners will train at the AFAS Stadium later this evening, with Ange Postecoglou also set to address the media in his pre-match press conference.

Tottenham make the trip with several first-team players returning from injury, boosting their squad depth at a crucial point in the season.

However, some remain sidelined, including Radu Dragusin while Dejan Kulusevski has suffered a foot injury and will miss the tie in the Netherlands.

Timo Werner is unavailable as he was not registered in Tottenham’s Europa League squad.

Which Tottenham will play against AZ Alkmaar

Among the Tottenham first team squad boarding the flight were Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mathys Tel, James Maddison, Heung-min Son, Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, Antonin Kinsky, Brandon Austin, Guglielmo Vicario, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray, Brennan Johnson and Lucas Bergvall…

As the transfer window edges closer, recent reports have now revealed Tottenham Hotspur’s main priority ahead of the summer window.

Preparations for next season are already underway at Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou is wasting no time in making moves.

Talks have reportedly begun over a contract extension for Rodrigo Bentancur, while Tottenham also have an option to purchase Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, remains.

Meanwhile, the club has also been linked with Tyler Dibling and Eberechi Eze, while Yves Bissouma is set to hold crunch talks with Tottenham over his future. The Mali international has struggled for consistency and will enter the final year of his contract this summer.

Tottenham prioritising marquee midfield signing this summer

Fresh reports from Football Insider now claim that Tottenham’s main priority in the summer transfer window is to secure a marquee midfield signing.

Despite dealing with an injury crisis, Spurs’ midfield has held firm for much of the season. However, it appears the club is now shifting its focus towards strengthening that area of the pitch.

With potential departures and contract uncertainties, the Lilywhites would be looking to bring in a player who can make an immediate impact and elevate the squad’s overall quality.

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What Spurs need in midfield to improve on Yves Bissouma

If Spurs are targeting a midfielder, logic suggests they will pursue a proper number six—a defensive midfielder who offers clear improvement on Yves Bissouma. The Malian is among ten players we think Tottenham could offload this summer.

Archie Gray remains a viable option, but the youngster is still developing and would benefit from learning alongside an experienced holding midfielder.

A specialist defensive midfielder would elevate the squad, adding much-needed stability and balance to Ange Postecoglou’s setup.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been dealt another injury blow as Dejan Kulusevski has seemingly confirmed his latest setback.

It was revealed yesterday, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash against AZ Alkmaar, that Dejan Kulusevski is nursing a foot injury.

Although an official timeline for his return is yet to be provided, it is expected that the Swede will miss Thursday’s fixture.

Of course, given the relentless schedule Kulusevski has endured this season, many Tottenham supporters see this setback as a blessing in disguise, offering him some much-needed recovery time.

Dejan Kulusevski’s social media post confirms injury fears

Kulusevski has now seemingly confirmed his situation through his latest social media post. The Swedish international was pictured wearing a protective boot on his left foot in an Instagram upload, all but verifying the injury concerns.

Indeed, Dejan Kulusevski has been a key figure for Spurs this season, remarkably appearing in every single match for the club across all competitions. Featuring in all 42 games so far, he has been a mainstay in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

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Tottenham players with the most appearances this season

A much-needed rest or a cause for concern?

This injury was perhaps inevitable given the sheer number of minutes he has accumulated. Of all the players to have featured for Spurs this season, Kulusevski was one of five who had managed to remain injury-free.

However, the toll has been evident, with his performances dipping in recent weeks. Even the winger himself admitted during a recent interview that he has been playing with just 40% energy due to the volume of matches.

While the injury does not appear to be too serious, a return after the international break seems the likeliest scenario, giving him a brief but crucial period to recharge. It could indeed be a blessing in disguise.

AZ Alkmaar’s knockout record shows they are capable of causing an upset against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Tottenham Hotspur’s round of 16 opponent in the Europa League has long been confirmed as Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

This is not the first time the two teams will be locking horns, as they previously met in the League phase on matchday three. Spurs secured victory on that occasion, edging the contest through a Richarlison penalty.

While Ange Postecoglou’s side will be confident of progressing over two legs, history suggests this tie will not be as straightforward as it might seem.

AZ Alkmaar have won eight from their last nine

According to stats shared by the official Europa League X account, AZ Alkmaar have been formidable in their recent European knockout ties – enough to send a warning to Tottenham Hotspur.

In their last nine two-legged encounters, the Dutch side have triumphed in eight—a record that underlines their ability to navigate these situations successfully.

On Thursday, they will be looking to pull off another shock, much like they did against Galatasaray in the play-off round.

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That tie saw AZ dismantle the Turkish giants 6-3 on aggregate, including a dominant 4-1 home leg victory that all but sealed their progression.

Tottenham must remain alert against AZ Alkmaar

Ange Postecoglou’s men will need to be switched on from the first whistle, as a sluggish start could see them needing to overturn a deficit in the second leg—something they will want to avoid.

Of course, Spurs do hold the advantage, having had ample rest ahead of the clash, whereas Alkmaar were pushed to extra time in their recent cup match.

That extra freshness could be a decisive factor, but only if Tottenham make it count on the night. The first-leg tie is set to take place at the AFAS Stadium on Thursday, 6 March 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 UK time.

Tottenham supporters will no doubt enjoy Ivan Perisic’s subtle jab at Arsenal ahead of their Champions League clash, as the former Spurs winger delivered a pointed remark about the Gunners’ inability to get over the line.

Tottenham Hotspur have been absent from the UEFA Champions League for the past three seasons, a frustrating reality for a club that reached the final in 2019 before falling short against Liverpool.

Their European pedigree has taken a hit, and this season, their only route back into the competition would be by winning the Europa League.

However, with their inconsistent league form leaving them languishing in mid-table, Spurs have plenty to prove if they are to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.

Ivan Perisic says Arsenal are always missing something

While the Lilywhites continue their European rebuild, their north London rivals Arsenal are gearing up for a Champions League round of 16 clash this week.

The Gunners will face PSV, a side that navigated past Liverpool in the league phase before eliminating Juventus in the playoff rounds.

It is far from a straightforward task for Mikel Arteta’s men, who have struggled to maintain momentum in their domestic title chase and, more notably, have never lifted a European trophy in their history.

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Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic did not hold back when assessing Arsenal’s European credentials.

Speaking ahead of the clash, as relayed by the Daily Mail, he remarked: “It is going to be tough. They are a really good team. Young team, good coach. But over the last few years, they are always missing something to step up and win something.

“We have to be fully prepared, then we have a good chance to beat them. I believe in our team, and we have to play at our best. When you hear the Champions League anthem, it gives something special.”

Tottenham would love European silverware bragging rights

While Arsenal’s silverware hopes this season hinge on either a Liverpool collapse in the league or an unlikely Champions League triumph, Spurs have a more tangible opportunity to end their long trophy drought.

Still in the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou’s men know that lifting the trophy would not only bring long-awaited success but also secure them a Champions League return.

However, the road ahead is anything but easy. Their next hurdle comes on Thursday when they face a tricky round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar, a side more than capable of causing an upset.

Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League round of 16 clash against AZ Alkmaar, four Spurs players are walking the suspension tightrope. Let’s find out.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to complete the double over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16, having edged past the Dutch side with a 1-0 victory in the league phase earlier this season.

A win here carries added significance, as progression to the quarter-finals would set up a showdown with either Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt, making this a pivotal fixture in Spurs’ European campaign.

Undoubtedly, Ange Postecoglou’s men are among the favourites to lift the trophy. However, it will be anything but straightforward, with strong sides like Lazio and Athletic Club still in the mix and capable of causing problems for the North London outfit.

Dejan Kulusevski risks suspension for Tottenham

Before Tottenham can start dreaming of silverware, they must first navigate a tricky tie against AZ, a side boasting an impressive European knockout stage record, winning eight of their last nine clashes in continental competitions.

For this, Postecoglou will need all of his key players available. However, there is a looming risk of four missing out due to suspension.

UEFA regulations state that a player receives an automatic one-match suspension after accumulating three yellow cards from the league phase onwards, with further suspensions triggered by every subsequent odd-numbered booking. The rules also state that yellow cards are not wiped out until the end of the quarter-finals.

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That leaves Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Dejan Kulusevski walking a disciplinary tightrope as they are all on two bookings. Of course, any further caution puts them at risk of missing the next games in the knockout rounds.

Spurs players must maintain discipline

Indeed, the Australian manager will be wary of losing key personnel at a crucial stage of the tournament. If Tottenham are to progress beyond AZ, they will need all hands on deck for both legs of the quarter-finals and the round of 16 second leg.

For that to happen, the quartet must keep their discipline over the next four European matches—assuming, of course, that Spurs get the job done against AZ and secure their passage into the next round.

Avoiding unnecessary bookings will be vital in ensuring the squad remains at full strength for the business end of the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in European action on Thursday as they face Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League Round of 16, so let’s take a look at how you can watch the match, including predictions and team news.

After an eight-day break from competitive football, Tottenham Hotspur are set to resume their Europa League campaign this week.

The north London side have not played since their last Premier League fixture on Wednesday against Manchester City, and this European clash offers them an opportunity to get back into rhythm.

Their opponents, AZ Alkmaar, have already shown their quality in the competition. The Dutch side cruised past Turkish giants Galatasaray in the play-off round, winning 6-3 on aggregate.

Their emphatic 4-1 victory at home in the first leg was a statement of intent, demonstrating their attacking prowess.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have not featured in the Europa League since their final league phase match against IF Elfsborg in January.

They secured a 3-0 victory in that fixture, finishing fourth in the league table. With knockout football now in full swing, Spurs will need to be at their best to navigate this tricky away tie.

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When and where is the game?

The first leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie will take place at the AFAS Stadium on Thursday, 6 March 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 UK time.

How to watch AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3. Fans can also stream the game via the Discovery+ app and Discovery+ platform.

AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur team news

Ange Postecoglou still has a few injury concerns heading into the tie. Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin remain unavailable for selection.

However, there is some good news for Spurs fans, as Cristian Romero and Solanke were spotted back in training last week, hinting at a potential return. Ben Davies is also in contention to feature.

As for AZ Alkmaar, they have their own injury setbacks to deal with: Jayden Addai and Sven Mijnans are injured and are expected to miss this tie.

Meanwhile, Mexx Meerdink, Ruben van Bommel, Sem Westerveld are doubts and could feature on Thursday.

Spurs Web prediction

Given Tottenham Hotspur’s current league position, the Europa League remains their primary focus for the remainder of the season.

Several factors are in their favour going into this fixture, including their extended rest period, the advantage of playing the second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the return of key players from injury.

The key for Postecoglou’s men will be to manage the game well and avoid defeat. A strong performance away from home will put them in an ideal position for the return leg.

With their attacking firepower and defensive reinforcements returning, Spurs should have enough quality to secure a result.

Djed Spence’s Tottenham performances in February have not gone unnoticed, earning him a place in WhoScored’s European Team of the Month.

February proved to be one of the brighter spells in an otherwise turbulent season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side, still searching for the kind of fluency and dominance expected under the Australian, found some rhythm during the month, securing three wins from four Premier League outings.

Though their cup aspirations were cut short following exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the Lilywhites managed to put together a string of strong league performances.

A key contributor during this period was Djed Spence, whose performances caught the eye. The full-back not only played a pivotal role in the backline but also grabbed his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town while helping his side keep two clean sheets.

Djed Spence makes it to European Team of the Month

Of course, the 24-year-old’s displays in February did not go unnoticed. He featured in multiple team of the week selections from notable pundits, including Alan Shearer and Troy Deeney, with particular praise following his performances against Manchester United and Ipswich Town.

However, the accolades have not stopped there. The Englishman has now been named in WhoScored’s European team of the month, cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s most in-form defenders.

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Lining up in a back four alongside Jacquet, Jubal, and Brighton’s Minteh, Djed Spence earned his place with a 7.61 rating.

Can Spence become a key figure for Tottenham?

There is no doubt that the 24-year-old has been one of Spurs’ most reliable performers in recent weeks.

His mix of pace, defensive awareness, and attacking intent make him an asset in Postecoglou’s system. However, the challenge for him is to maintain this level and establish himself as an undisputed starter.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly very pleased with their decision to sign one youngster back in 2023, with the North London club’s hierarchy being encouraged by the player’s displays out on loan this term.

Tottenham have had several great Croatian players over their recent history, and their fans might soon have another Croat’s name to sign from the terraces.

Luka Vuskovic, who was signed as a 16-year-old from Hajduk Split back in September of 2023, has been outstanding on loan at Westerlo so far this season, emerging as arguably the best young centre-back in the Belgian top-flight.

The teenager, who turned 18 last month, has not just shown impressive composure and nous in the defensive third but has also been mightily effective at the other end of the pitch. Vuskovic has found the back of the net seven times in 26 league matches.

What Tottenham think of Luka Vuskovic’s development

The young central defender will link up with the Spurs squad for the first time this summer and will have an opportunity to catch Ange Postecoglou’s eye in pre-season.

It remains to be seen if Tottenham fast-forward Luka Vuskovic to their first-team plans or if they send the youngster out on loan again, but the Lilywhites club certainly like what they have seen from the player.

This update comes from Fabrizio Romano, who reveals that Spurs are very happy with how Vuskovic has grown during his time in Belgium.

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The journalist reveals that Tottenham’s former scout, Leonardo Gabbanini, is the man who recommended the Vuskovic signing. The Premier League side are now of the belief that they have a ‘top talent’ on their hands.

Vuskovic has already outlined his Spurs ambitions

Vuskovic will have to overcome some huge hurdles to become a key part of the first-team setup at Tottenham, given the number of top young defenders at the club.

However, the youngster is certainly not intimidated by the challenge that lies in front of him. Vuskovic has already made it clear that he wants to break into Postecoglou’s set-up next season.

Vuskovic said back in January: “I hope to play in the Premier League this year. The Belgian competition is a good step. In terms of workload, we are not inferior to England, only the pace and the intensity there are higher.”

Tottenham Hotspur have already decided that one forward will not be at the club at the start of next season as Ange Postecoglou looks to rejig his attack.

Timo Werner has been on loan at Tottenham since January of last year and the winger has struggled to get regular game time at N17 and has done little to impress when opportunities have come his way.

The 28-year-old has fallen considerably in Ange Postecoglou’s pecking order, with Spurs not even naming Werner in the matchday squad for the club’s 4-1 win over Ipswich Town.

Over recent weeks, we have seen speculation from Germany suggest that Werner could join RB Leipzig’s sister club, New York Red Bulls in the summer, with the player thought to be open to moving to the MLS.

Tottenham have made Timo Werner decision

GiveMeSport have now claimed that Spurs have already decided against activating the £8.5m option to buy the German international in the summer, with the forward set to return to his parent club.

While Tottenham still have some big games potentially coming up this season, it seems unlikely that Werner will get much game time in the coming months, especially given that a number of players are now back from injury.

In fact, the report alleges that regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, the 28-year-old will be returning to Leipzig before considering his options for his next move.

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The outlet also refers to ‘tentative interest’ from New York Red Bulls but adds that the player has yet to make a call on his next destination.

Tottenham plan to add reinforcements in attack

GiveMeSport also go on to state that Spurs are already drafting plans to reinforce their frontline in the summer.

Werner will thus be replaced by the North London club while Richarlsion’s future is expected to be assessed at the end of the season.