Heartbreak for Maddison as Injury Rules Him Out of Europa League Final

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

James Maddison will miss Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League final showdown with Manchester United after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the semi-final first leg. The creative midfielder expressed his heartbreak, saying he was “absolutely gutted” to be sidelined just as the team prepares for their biggest night in years.

Spurs confirmed their place in the final on Thursday with a clinical 2-0 away win over Bodø/Glimt, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory. Maddison had played a crucial role in the European campaign, scoring and assisting in key knockout games against AZ Alkmaar and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Maddison was at his brilliant best in the home leg against Bodø/Glimt, scoring early before being forced off due to injury in the second half. The club later confirmed that he will not return this season.

“Gutted. Just absolutely gutted,” Maddison wrote on social media. “We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one... But I truly believe it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together.”

Despite his absence, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou gave Maddison a special mention in his post-match dressing room speech, underlining the No.10’s importance to the squad.

The final takes place at the iconic Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao on May 21, with Spurs aiming to end the season with silverware.