Postecoglou delivers Kulusevski injury update amid Europa League scare
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of lifting the Europa League trophy suffered another setback as Dejan Kulusevski limped off during their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, just days before their crucial final against Manchester United.
The Swedish playmaker, who has been a vital creative force in James Maddison’s absence, clutched his knee after a heavy challenge, sparking immediate concern among fans and staff alike.
With Maddison already ruled out for the season following his own knee injury in the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, losing Kulusevski would have been a devastating blow.
The 23-year-old has stepped up admirably in recent weeks, filling the void left by the England international with his vision, work rate, and ability to unlock defenses. His premature exit from the Palace match left Tottenham’s attack looking blunt, as they struggled to create meaningful chances in a dismal 2-0 defeat.
Manager Ange Postecoglou moved quickly to ease fears over Kulusevski’s condition, confirming after the game that the injury appeared minor. “He should be okay,” the Australian told reporters. “I spoke to him afterward, and the medical team isn’t overly concerned. It was just a knock, nothing serious.”
The update will come as a relief to Spurs supporters, who have endured a season plagued by injuries to key players. Postecoglou has rarely been able to field his strongest XI, with setbacks disrupting momentum at critical moments.
Kulusevski’s fitness will now be closely monitored in the coming days, with the club facing a delicate balancing act between rushing him back and ensuring he’s fully fit for the final in Bilbao.
A Disappointing Performance Compounds Problems
Tottenham’s defeat to Palace only added to the growing frustration around the club. Eberechi Eze’s brace sealed a comfortable win for the visitors, while Spurs managed just one shot on target—a worrying statistic ahead of a high-stakes European final.
The lack of creativity in Kulusevski’s absence highlighted just how much the team relies on him, particularly with Maddison sidelined.
The performance also raised further questions about Postecoglou’s future, with speculation mounting over whether he will remain in charge beyond this season. A poor run of form in 2024/25 has left Spurs languishing outside the European places in the Premier League, making the Europa League final their last chance to salvage something from a turbulent campaign.
A Summer of Change Looms for Spurs
Regardless of the outcome against Manchester United, Tottenham are expected to undergo significant changes in the coming months. The squad is in desperate need of reinforcements, particularly in attack, where injuries have exposed a lack of depth.
Rumors of potential new signings and even a managerial change have been swirling, with the club’s hierarchy under pressure to deliver a more competitive team next season.
For now, however, all focus remains on Kulusevski’s recovery and the Europa League final. The Swedish midfielder’s presence could be the difference between success and failure in what has become the defining game of Tottenham’s season.
Fans will be hoping for positive updates in the days ahead, knowing that another injury setback could derail their dreams of silverware.