Kulusevski Sidelined After Knee Surgery as Spurs Eye Europa Glory

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Tottenham Hotspur will be without Dejan Kulusevski for several months after the Swedish midfielder underwent knee surgery, manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Thursday.

Kulusevski suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace last weekend. Initially downplayed, the issue worsened overnight, prompting immediate medical action.

“Obviously disappointing news,” Postecoglou told reporters ahead of Spurs’ Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Friday. “Initially we thought it wasn't too serious... it kind of blew up the day after and we knew there was an issue. He’s had the surgery, which will put him out for at least a few months.”

The timing couldn’t be worse for Spurs, who face Manchester United in the Europa League final next week. When asked if Kulusevski could return by the start of next season, Postecoglou was cautious: “We’ll see. I only have basic information at the moment, but it’ll certainly put him out for a while.”

In addition to Kulusevski, fellow Swede Lucas Bergvall remains unavailable despite returning to training, while James Maddison is also sidelined with a knee problem.

Spurs, currently 17th in the Premier League after a poor run of form, will take heart from the return of captain Son Heung-min, who played against Palace after recovering from a foot injury.

Postecoglou emphasized that Friday’s match is key preparation for the Europa League showdown: “We are certainly going to go out there to try to win... this is a challenge and an opportunity for the players to put their names forward for the big game next week.”