Tottenham’s Injury List Grows at a Crucial Time
Right when the pressure couldn’t be higher, Tottenham Hotspur are down to bare bones in midfield. With the Europa League final against Manchester United looming, another blow landed as 19-year-old Pape Matar Sarr limped off during the recent clash with Aston Villa. Spurs fans watching that moment probably felt their hopes for silverware take a direct hit. Sarr’s dynamic running and composure have made him a vital part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans. Now, with his involvement in the final in serious doubt, it’s hard to ignore the sense of crisis brewing at the club.
And Sarr’s setback isn’t isolated—it comes on top of a growing injury list that is cutting deep into Tottenham’s first-team options. Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski is still in recovery from knee surgery following a painful patella injury picked up against Crystal Palace. He’s not just missing the final—he’s out for months. Then, there’s James Maddison, arguably Spurs’ creative brain, who suffered a knee injury in the semi-final stage of this very competition. The club has confirmed he won’t be back before summer, ruling him out for any chance of lifting a trophy in white this season.
Even Lucas Bergvall, another 19-year-old midfielder who could’ve helped patch up the gaps, has been ruled out with an ankle ligament issue. Bergvall tried to take part in some training sessions leading up to the final, but medical staff made the call—it’s too big a risk. The injury list has turned a once-deep squad into a patchwork, especially in the center of the pitch, where control and legs are so important in big European games.
High Stakes and Big Decisions for the Final
The timing couldn’t be worse. The game itself, set for May 21 at Bilbao’s imposing San Mamés Stadium, has more riding on it than just a trophy. It’s not only about ending Spurs’ agonizing wait for a major title—the winner will book a lucrative spot in next season’s Champions League. That means millions in extra revenue, the chance to recruit better players, and stronger standing in European football. The pressure on Ange Postecoglou is now even more intense. He faces having to get creative with his lineup, maybe leaning on out-of-position players, less experienced youngsters, or even a change in his usual tactics to plug the gaps.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have their own ambitions. They’re desperate to claw their way back into the Champions League and fix the disappointment of their domestic season. With United’s star players raring to go, the situation looks far from ideal for Spurs. For Tottenham, the injuries are more than a headache—they change the entire approach to the game. Every Spurs supporter knows the margin for error is now thinner than ever.
As the days tick down to kick-off, questions linger about who will step up and whether Tottenham’s patched-up midfield can hold its own. The club’s medical staff and fans alike will be watching every training update, hoping for a miracle but bracing for a fiercely tough showdown in Spain.
