Major Spurs boost for Postecoglou despite Kulusevski concern for Man City

Dejan Kulusevski grabbed attention during Sweden’s dominant 6-0 victory over Azerbaijan in the UEFA Nations League at Strawberry Arena, Solna. The talented Tottenham Hotspur attacker showcased his class with a captain’s performance, delivering two goals and an assist.

However, a concerning moment occurred late in the match as he clutched his left shoulder in visible discomfort, raising questions about his fitness ahead of Spurs’ upcoming clash with Manchester City in the Premier League.

This uncertainty comes at a pivotal time for Tottenham, with manager Ange Postecoglou needing every bit of firepower as his team faces the reigning champions. Kulusevski, who has been in electrifying form this season, has consistently battled shoulder knocks in recent weeks but has soldiered through to deliver crucial performances.

His resilience was on display yet again on Tuesday, as he completed the match despite the injury scare. Postecoglou will await medical updates when Kulusevski returns to Hotspur Way, hoping his star player remains fit to continue his impressive run of form.

Elsewhere on the international stage, Tottenham players delivered moments of brilliance that will undoubtedly boost morale ahead of the Manchester City fixture. Son Heung-min, leading South Korea, exhibited his clinical finishing ability with a composed strike to level the score against Palestine in their World Cup qualifier. Although the game ended 1-1, Son’s performance reinforced his status as a dependable leader for both club and country.

Yves Bissouma added another highlight to his international résumé with Mali, securing his second assist in as many matches during a commanding 6-0 victory over Eswatini. His inch-perfect pass set up Nene Dorgeles for Mali’s second goal early in the match.

Bissouma’s involvement was brief but impactful, as he was substituted at halftime with Mali already holding a commanding lead. This early substitution will be welcomed by Postecoglou, especially with the midfield facing challenges such as Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspension, which Spurs are in the process of appealing.

The evening also witnessed a standout performance from Brennan Johnson, who excelled for Wales in their 4-1 triumph over Iceland. Johnson delivered a pinpoint cross for Liam Cullen to head home and later added a goal of his own, showcasing his trademark pace and precision with a right-footed strike across the goalkeeper.

This effort adds to Johnson’s tally, bringing him to nine goals for club and country this season, an encouraging statistic for Tottenham fans. Meanwhile, Ben Davies, donning the captain’s armband for Wales in his 92nd appearance, led his side to a victory that secured top spot in League B, Group 4. His leadership continues to be a vital asset both internationally and for Spurs.

For Sweden, Kulusevski’s contribution was pivotal. He opened the scoring with a sharp low finish and later assisted Victor Gyökeres, who went on to net four goals.

Kulusevski then found the back of the net again, striking Sweden’s fourth goal to cap off a commanding display as their number 10. His efforts solidify his position as one of the most in-form players in the Spurs squad this season, and his influence will be crucial against Manchester City, provided he recovers fully from his shoulder issues.

Adding to Sweden’s dominance, young Lucas Bergvall made his mark after coming on as a substitute. His dazzling skill, including a breathtaking pirouette between two defenders, demonstrated the depth of talent within Sweden’s ranks and hinted at a bright future for the rising star.

Meanwhile, in England’s Under-20s, Spurs’ Will Lankshear gained valuable experience by playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Poland in the Elite League.

His consistent development offers a promising prospect for Tottenham’s long-term plans, with the young striker showing the determination and work ethic needed to break into the senior team in the future.

As the international break concludes, Tottenham’s players will return to club duties, carrying both confidence and concerns. The individual brilliance displayed by Son, Bissouma, Johnson, and Kulusevski on the global stage will undoubtedly inspire Postecoglou’s squad ahead of their visit to the Etihad Stadium.

However, Kulusevski’s fitness remains a critical talking point. His performances this season have been integral to Tottenham’s attacking prowess, and losing him for any period would be a significant blow.

Manchester City, buoyed by the news of Pep Guardiola’s contract extension, will pose a formidable challenge. However, the energy and momentum gained from the international break could serve as a crucial advantage for Tottenham. With key players in fine form and tactical adjustments underway, Postecoglou’s side has the tools to make a statement in one of the toughest fixtures of their season.

The return to domestic action promises an intriguing clash as Spurs aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League. The outcome may hinge on the availability of stars like Kulusevski, whose creativity and impact in the final third have been instrumental.

Tottenham supporters will hope that the optimism from the international stage translates into a resilient performance against Guardiola’s well-drilled side. The match at the Etihad Stadium will serve as a litmus test for Tottenham’s ambitions this season, as they look to challenge the very best and solidify their standing in the upper echelons of English football.

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