13 players could miss Tottenham vs Man Utd Europa League final as Spurs dealt new blow

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to collide in a high-stakes Europa League final this Wednesday, but both clubs will take the pitch with depleted squads, grappling with a series of injuries that threaten to complicate their game plans.

With Champions League qualification on the line, managers Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim face critical selection dilemmas that could ultimately decide the outcome.

For Tottenham, the injury list continues to grow, with several key players already ruled out of contention. James Maddison, whose semi-final heroics helped secure Spurs’ place in the final, will not feature due to a lingering knee problem.

Maddison had also played a pivotal role earlier in the season when Spurs claimed victory over Manchester United in the league, making his absence particularly painful.

Dejan Kulusevski joins him on the sidelines after the club confirmed his injury recently, removing one of Postecoglou’s most dynamic attacking threats from the equation.

Adding to Tottenham’s woes, defenders Radu Dragusin and Lucas Bergvall are also unavailable, while loanee Timo Werner’s campaign has come to an abrupt end.

Young forward Dane Scarlett, who had only just begun to establish himself in the first team, misses the opportunity to make a mark on a European final, further depleting the squad’s depth.

Postecoglou is anxiously monitoring the status of Pape Matar Sarr after the midfielder was forced off during Friday’s match against Aston Villa. The 21-year-old walked down the tunnel accompanied by medical staff, raising immediate concerns.

However, the Australian coach sounded optimistic post-match, suggesting Sarr’s back issue was precautionary and not expected to be serious. Still, with the clock ticking, every minute counts in his recovery.

On the opposing side, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad is equally hamstrung by a mounting list of injuries. The absence of Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee has become familiar territory for the Red Devils, with both players ruled out due to long-term issues.

Martinez’s knee injury and Zirkzee’s thigh problem have kept them on the sidelines, depriving United of strength in both defense and attack.

The problems don’t end there. United’s backline is in disarray, with Matthijs De Ligt nursing a knee injury and Leny Yoro exiting early during the defeat to West Ham, casting doubt over his availability for the final.

Amorim remained cautious in his comments, stating that while it remains uncertain whether they will feature, the coaching staff will attempt to get them ready in time.

The final presents a strong incentive for players to push through the pain barrier, but the manager is wary of the risks involved.

Diogo Dalot, another crucial piece in United’s defensive puzzle, also requires monitoring due to a calf concern.

However, the Portuguese fullback offered some reassurance, saying things were progressing well so far.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans, though not a regular starter, was absent from the squad against Chelsea, suggesting his involvement is equally doubtful.

While United’s recent form has been underwhelming, with six defeats in their last eight Premier League outings, the Europa League final offers a chance to salvage pride and silverware.

For Amorim, winning on Wednesday could help instill belief in a team he has admitted is not yet prepared to consistently compete at the highest level domestically or in the Champions League.

Tottenham, on the other hand, enter the match with history on their side. They’ve already bested United three times this season—twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup—suggesting a psychological edge.

Yet, the North London club remains burdened by a trophy drought that stretches back to 2008, a narrative that continues to shadow every campaign.

Victory in Bilbao would not only secure Champions League football but also lift a longstanding weight from the shoulders of players and fans alike.

Injuries will undoubtedly shape how both sides approach this final, demanding tactical adjustments and perhaps offering opportunities for lesser-used squad members to rise to the occasion.

While both managers face uncertainty, the stakes could not be clearer: glory, redemption, and a coveted return to Europe’s elite competition await the winner, making this Europa League showdown one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.