TBR Football

Lucas Bergvall could make a shock return from injury for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League final against Manchester United next week.

Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United in the Europa League final in what has become an all-or-nothing match for both clubs, who are currently sitting 17th and 16th in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou’s team have just lost Dejan Kulusevski to injury, meanwhile, James Maddison has also been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The Australian manager will therefore be desperate to have the young Swede available to offer some creativity to his midfield in the final.

Lucas Bergvall working hard to be fit for Europa League final

Lucas Bergvall is ‘trying extremely hard’ to be fit for the Europa League final against Manchester United next week, according to Paul O’Keefe.

Bergvall picked up an injury in training ahead of Spurs’ clash with Bodo/Glimt and was spotted on the sidelines wearing a protective boot during the clash.

Bergvall, who is set to receive a new contract, is now making a big push to make himself available to Postecoglou for the biggest game of his young career.

Given how depleted Spurs’ midfield has become and just how good Bergvall has been this term, the 19-year-old being able to play any part in the final could be massive for the Lilywhites.

How could Tottenham lineup vs Manchester United?

Currently, Tottenham’s back four remains fully fit for the final, meaning Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro will form the defence.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma were both excellent against Bodo/Glimt and are likely to start the final against United.

Spurs will hope Bergvall can start to add some creativity as the third option, but if not, Pape Matar Sarr is the most likely option, whilst Wilson Odobert could be an alternative in the number ten role.

Tottenham Hotspur’s rotten luck with injuries continues.

Spurs have had an awful campaign, and the biggest reason behind their issues on the pitch has been injuries to key players.

Ange Postecoglou has had to do without many of his men for large parts of the season, and there is now a new addition to his injury list.

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery and is now set to miss Tottenham’s Europa League final clash against Manchester United in Bilbao.

Guglielmo Vicario sends a message to Dejan Kulusevski after his injury

Kulusevski has arguably been Tottenham’s best player this season.

The Swede was Spurs’ standout performer in the first half of the campaign. He was magnificent in the number 10 role – some would say he was even better than James Maddison there.

Postecoglou will now have to do without Kulusevski for the Europa League final after the attacker underwent surgery on Wednesday.

To make things worse for the Tottenham boss, Maddison is also ruled out of the final, while it is very likely that Lucas Bergvall will miss the game in Bilbao as well.

After news came out that Kulusevski had undergone surgery, Guglielmo Vicario took to his Instagram Story to send a message to his teammate.

“The family is going to miss you, and we will fight for you. See you soon on the pitch, philosopher,” Vicario wrote along with a picture of himself alongside Kulusevski and Pape Matar Sarr.

Ange Postecoglou’s options to replace Dejan Kulusevski

Tottenham have a serious problem going into the Europa League final after Kulusevski’s injury.

The fact that the Swede is sidelined at the same time as Maddison and Bergvall has further complicated things for Postecoglou.

The most sensible solution would be to bring Pape Matar Sarr into the side and start him along with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

The other option would be to start Wilson Odobert as a number 10. Postecoglou experimented with that against Crystal Palace and claimed after the game that the Frenchman had played there before.

Odobert would definitely be the more exciting option, but we think Postecoglou will go with Sarr because he is more experienced.

Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest game in many years awaits next week as they prepare to take on Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Tottenham have endured a dismal season at domestic level, but they’re now just one game away from winning their first trophy since 2008.

Ange Postecoglou has had a number of personnel issues to contend with ahead of the Europa League final, including Dejan Kulusevski’s fitness.

The Sweden international hobbled off during the weekend loss to Crystal Palace.

However, Paul O’Keefe has now shared an update on Kulusevski that suggests Tottenham are trying all they can to get him on the Bilbao pitch.

Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski ‘having pain-killing injections in his knee’

A Tottenham fan asked O’Keefe about Kulusevski’s fitness on X, and the Spurs expert shared an update from behind the scenes.

O’Keefe explained how Kulusevski is now having pain-killing injections in his knee and, while he’s a “major doubt” for the game, he’s not ruled out completely just yet.

A rumour has also been doing the rounds suggesting Lucas Bergvall could have a chance of making the final.

What Ange Postecoglou recently said about Dejan Kulusevski fitness

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Postecoglou said the initial assessment was that Kulusevski had suffered a knock.

“He was a bit sore this morning with his knee,” Postecoglou told reporters. “It looks like a knock at this stage.

“We are going to let it settle for 24 hours and then assess it but the initial thing is it is more of a knock than anything more significant. Fingers crossed he is OK.”

However, O’Keefe’s update suggests that Kulusevski’s issue is more serious than first thought, though Spurs don’t seem to have given up on him playing in the final.

Kulusevski’s return would be a huge boost for Tottenham, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to pass a late fitness test and take part in the final.

James Maddison and Radu Dragusin are set to be out for the rest of the season due to respective knee injuries, while Bergvall is also likely to be out.

Tottenham must first take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday night and, after the Europa League final, they will wrap up their season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester City are said to be interested in signing Destiny Udogie from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Upon the arrival of new Man City sporting director Hugo Viana, Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to repeat their heavy investment from January.

Tottenham will also have money to spend but their plans can’t really get under way until they learn the outcome of their upcoming Europa League final.

Spurs face City’s rivals Manchester United next week, and Ange Postecoglou’s future might hinge on the game, that’s if his fate isn’t already sealed in the eyes of Daniel Levy.

And should Tottenham win and qualify for the Champions League next season, their opportunities in the transfer market suddenly look a lot different this summer.

Man City could use James McAtee to sign Destiny Udogie

However, if Spurs are not playing European football next season and Postecoglou is no longer manager, perhaps City could tempt Udogie.

The Italian seems very settled at Tottenham, but City’s rebuild under Guardiola could ultimately prove too good to turn down, should they make a bid.

That being said, City might actually be able to involve James McAtee in any approach they make this summer.

Tottenham are interested in McAtee and the 22-year-old will only have one year left on his contract at the end of next month.

The midfielder has proven his ability on more than one occasion at City this season and talent does deserve consistent first team opportunities.

That being said, City might be well served including McAtee in a bid for Udogie, perhaps also providing some added funds too.

Swap deals are something of a dying breed in football these days, perhaps partly because of FFP, but this appears like the perfect opportunity to execute one.

Djed Spence could take Destiny Udogie’s spot

Spurs fans might rebuke at the idea of losing Udogie — he’s a player who still has so much potential to improve.

But as mentioned, any approach from City might be too good to refuse, and receiving McAtee’s services in return would surely be very welcome.

As things stand, Udogie seems committed to Tottenham, but this summer’s transfer window looks bound to spring surprises.

Spurs do also have Djed Spence who has thrived at left-back this season, meaning Udogie’s departure wouldn’t be catastrophic.

It’s been a very frustrating season for Tottenham, and an even more frustrating season for Richarlison.

Indeed, Richarlison has had a tough time of it at Tottenham this season.

Richarlison has been perennially injured this term, and there are suggestions that Richarlison could leave Spurs this summer.

The Brazilian was, once again, frustrated this weekend as he was left on the bench against Crystal Palace.

Speaking on The Tottenham Way Podcast, Marcus Buckland has been discussing Richarlison’s situation, and he shared what he noticed about the Brazilian as he sat on the sidelines against Palace.

What Richarlison was doing on the bench vs Crystal Palace

Buckland shared what he noticed about Richarlison on the bench.

The reporter says the Brazilian was continuously looking over to Ange Postecoglou, trying to catch his eye in an attempt to be brought into the action.

However, Postecoglou continuously ignored Richarlison, refusing to bring the South American on.

“Richarlison, I was watching him closely. I really wanted Richarlison to come on, I thought 2-2 was a possibility. I thought Richarlison’s presence up front would’ve given Tottenham a chance to get something out of the game. I was watching Richi and he kept looking at the bench trying to catch the attention of Postecoglou, but nothing came of it, he didn’t play a minute,”

Richarlison stats this season

It’s been an incredibly frustrating season for Richarlison owing to the fact he’s barely played for Tottenham this season.

Indeed, the Brazilian has been hampered by injury and overlooked by Ange Postecoglou at times.

However, when the forward has played, he’s been solid for Spurs, as the stats show.

Four goals and one assist in 475 minutes of football is not to be sniffed at, that’s a fantastic return for a player operating in a team that has been truly terrible this term.

Unfortunately, Richarlison just hasn’t been able to showcase his abilities all that often this season.

Luckily, Spurs’ biggest game of the campaign is still to come, and, who knows? Perhaps Richarlison could end up being the difference-maker in the Europa League final vs Manchester United.

Unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, Heung-min Son and Harry Kane were unable to lift major silverware in tandem.

Son and Kane were arguably the most feared duo in the Premier League during their time at Spurs and yet, the North Londoners just could not get over the line.

However, Harry Kane has been vindicated by leaving Tottenham to join Bayern Munich as he has finally won the first trophy of his career by lifting the Bundesliga title.

Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura congratulated Kane as he helped Vincent Kompany’s side dethrone Bayer Leverkusen this season.

Kane is arguably England’s greatest striker and a player of his ilk certainly deserved to win a trophy before hanging up his boots.

Heung-min Son says he called Harry Kane after Bundesliga win with Bayern Munich

Son wishes Kane was still at Tottenham and considering how close he is to the England captain, he would have been ecstatic for him as well.

The 32-year-old has a chance of making history himself this season by winning the Europa League.

But for the time being, all Heung-min Son could do is be happy for Kane’s success and spoke to him on FaceTime after he won the Bundesliga with Bayern, telling TNT Sports: “Yeah, obviously we’re still good friends and best mates. I called him and text him and he facetimed me and he was very happy.”

“I was happy to see him smiling and to see him lifting that trophy he deserves it more than anyone else. What a fantastic moment for him and I hope there’s many more to come. Not only because I’m his friend, but the way he sacrifices and the way he works. What a player, I want to congratulate him again here. I was very happy for him.”

Son added that he feels Kane still watches Tottenham despite being at Bayern, saying: “I’m sure Harry is still watching all the games and supporting us, he will be a Spurs supporter on the day, I have no doubt.”

Could Harry Kane return to Tottenham?

The Lilywhites supporters could not be happier seeing their two legends still having such a tight-knit bond.

Kane still wants to play with Son as he named the South Korean as the one player he would love to be reunited with at Bayern.

The former Spurs striker has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League as his contract just has two years left before running out.

However, Kane is not planning to join Tottenham.

The 31-year-old is happy at Bayern and has no intention of leaving anytime soon.

The biggest game of Manchester United’s season is on the horizon as they gear up to face Tottenham in the Europa League final.

It all rides on this. Win and Manchester United can salvage their season, they’ll qualify for the Champions League and pick up some silverware.

However, if United lose, their season will have been an unmitigated disaster.

United’s transfer budget will be affected by this result, and, simply put, the Red Devils have to win.

United are fancied to beat Spurs, but speaking on The Overlap, Gary Neville has shared some concerns ahead of this game.

Indeed, Neville says he has an awful feeling about this match due to the fact he believes, on paper, Tottenham are much better than United.

Gary Neville’s Europa League final worry

Neville shared how he’s feeling ahead of this huge game.

Of course, Neville is desperate to see United win, but he does have some big concerns heading into this game.

“I’m genuinely, I said it last week, I’ve got a sickly feeling about this game next Wednesday, a sickly, sickly feeling. And the biggest reason I’ve got a sickly feeling is when I look at every single player in the Tottenham team and thank Madison, I like Madison, so I don’t want him not to be available, but when you look at Kulasevski, Son, Brendan Johnson, Solanke, if Madison was there, Basuma and Sarr, Romero and van de Ven, Porro and Udogie,” Neville said.

“No, no. When you look at those players, like for like with United, only Bruno, in my opinion, would get into the first 11 of Spurs. I would select every single Tottenham player.

I said this earlier in the season. The goalkeeper is a 50-50 split, because I don’t like Vicario and I’m not a fan of Onana. But honestly, Udogie, Porro, van de Ven, Romero, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Madison, Solanke, Kulasevski, Son.

“I would choose every single player of Tottenham’s over Manchester United’s next Wednesday night. That’s my worry.”

Tottenham’s recent record vs Manchester United

Neville says he’s worried about Tottenham’s quality ahead of this game, and he has every right to be concerned.

Indeed, Spurs have had United’s number in recent times.

Tottenham have, famously, often struggled against United over the years, but, in recent times, the tables have turned.

At this point, United have failed to beat Spurs in any of their last six meetings, while they’ve won each of the last three games between these two sides.

United are fancied to beat Tottenham though due to the fact they have more experience of winning these big games, as they showed in last year’s FA Cup final.

Ultimately, this is a tough game to call between two sides who have been poor this season and it will come down to who turns up on the day.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur may both be in the Europa League final but they have flattered to deceive in the Premier League this season.

Manchester United currently sit a lowly 16th in the Premier League table, while Tottenham are a place below in 17th.

Rasmus Hojlund has only scored 10 goals for Man United this season, of which four have come in the Premier League and six in the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min hasn’t been at his best this season – he scored more goals in the Premier League last term than he has done in all competitions this year.

Sam Allardyce has now shared which player he has found the most disappointing this season between Hojlund and Son.

Sam Allardyce says Rasmus Hojlund has been the season’s biggest disappointment

The latest episode of the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast featured a section called Big Sam’s Big Awards, essentially his personal end-of-season award selection.

Not all were positive awards – one of them was about who Allardyce felt was the biggest let-down in the Premier League this term.

On the subject of the Tottenham captain, Allardyce said: “I have every admiration for Son but it looks like it’s getting a bit too tough for him now.”

However, Allardyce said Hojlund was his biggest disappointment of the season, and he explained why.

“I think he’s been, unfortunately for him, the most disappointing,” began Allardyce.

“Because he’s not contributed enough for the expectation of Man United and what Manchester United need.

“They need… not just that goal-scorer, but they need that front man who can hold it up and then get in the box and score, and unfortunately he’s failed to do that.

“And when you take the price with it – you know what I mean?”

Could Son Heung-min and Rasmus Hojlund be on the move this summer?

Son has been a fantastic servant for Tottenham and will definitely go down as a club legend.

However, it can be argued that it is time for Tottenham to plan for life without Son, barring a remarkable turnaround next season.

As things stand, Son is contracted to Spurs until next year, but it remains to be seen whether he will try his luck elsewhere and make a move over the summer.

As for Hojlund, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Hojlund’s agents are doing work on potential options to leave Man United.

The striker’s stock in Serie A remains very high and it was previously revealed that Napoli had a strong interest in Hojlund.

Publicly, United are backing Hojlund and the striker himself is determined to fight for his place – the Dane would ideally like to stay and fulfil his potential at Old Trafford.

However, Hojlund is also aware of the interest in him, and a fresh start remains under consideration.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a couple of huge names leave them for Real Madrid over the years.

Luka Modric and Gareth Bale are two of the best players to ever play for Spurs, but both of them swapped White Hart Lane for the Santiago Bernabeu.

Even though the two players are viewed very differently by Real Madrid fans, it has to be said that they achieved immense success during their time in Spain.

Now, another Spurs player could end up at Real Madrid once the summer transfer window opens.

Xabi Alonso’s stance on signing Tottenham defender Cristian Romero for Real Madrid

Real Madrid are all set to bid farewell to Carlo Ancelotti at the end of this season.

The legendary Italian is one of the greatest managers in the history of the game, and he has done a remarkable job at the Bernabeu over the years.

However, after what has been a disappointing season, Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid and become the manager of the Brazil national team.

Xabi Alonso is expected to replace Ancelotti, and The Sun have now revealed that the Spaniard is a ‘huge fan’ of Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

Romero is expected to leave Spurs this summer, and he has publicly expressed his desire to play in Spain in the next phase of his career.

Atletico Madrid have been pushing for Romero, but the report now claims that Alonso and Real Madrid’s chiefs believe that pairing the Spurs star next to someone like Antonio Rudiger ‘could create a strong base from which to go and win the biggest trophies’ next season and beyond.

However, it remains to be seen if Florentino Perez will be able to meet Daniel Levy’s demands for the ‘outstanding‘ Romero in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Tottenham’s Xabi Alonso dream is over

Tottenham are expected to sack Ange Postecoglou even if he wins the Europa League this month.

Spurs will need a new manager if that happens, and they have been linked with several names over the last few weeks.

One of the big names Tottenham were considering was Xabi Alonso, but all signs point towards the Spaniard becoming the next Real Madrid boss.

It was always unlikely that Spurs could attract Alonso or anyone of his stature – now, it is all but confirmed that they will not get him.

To add insult to injury, Alonso could steal Romero away from Tottenham too.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to lock horns with Manchester United in next week’s Europa League final in Bilbao.

However, Spurs have a number of personnel worries ahead of next Wednesday’s showpiece in the Basque Country.

Lucas Bergvall is out after damaging ligaments in his ankle during the final training session ahead of the Europa League semi-final first leg.

More recently, Ange Postecoglou admitted it’s “unlikely” that Bergvall will be fit for Tottenham in time for the match.

However, Marcus Buckland of The Tottenham Way podcast has now claimed that he’s heard a positive rumour about Bergvall’s fitness.

Rumour emerges suggesting Lucas Bergvall could play a part for Tottenham in Europa League final

Buckland, speaking on the latest episode of The Tottenham Way, revealed he “heard a rumour yesterday” involving Bergvall.

Said rumour was that Bergvall “may have a chance to be involved in the final”, though he stressed that it’s just hearsay at present.

“Lucas Bergvall, how I would love to wake up on the morning of the final and he’s okay,” said Buckland.

“I heard a rumour yesterday – and I don’t know if there’s any substance to it – suggesting that Bergvall may have a chance to be involved in the final, but that is hearsay.”

Bergvall recently signed a new contract with Tottenham.

Who else could be missing for Tottenham in Europa League final?

Tottenham are now sweating on the fitness of Dejan Kulusevski, who hobbled off early on in the weekend loss to Crystal Palace.

Kulusevski missed training on Monday morning, but Postecoglou seems optimistic about the prospect of the Swede being fit for the Europa League final.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Postecoglou said: “He was a bit sore this morning with his knee. It looks like a knock at this stage.

“We are going to let it settle for 24 hours and then assess it but the initial thing is it is more of a knock than anything more significant. Fingers crossed he is OK.”

However, James Maddison and Radu Dragusin are set to be out for the rest of the season due to respective knee injuries.