Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final and is “out for a few months” having undergone knee surgery.
Tottenham revealed on Wednesday that Kulusevski had undergone surgery on an injury to his right patella he sustained in Sunday’s home defeat to Crystal Palace, although the club did not give a timescale on his return.
But Postecoglou said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s Premier League game at Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports, that the Sweden international will miss next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
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He said: “Disappointing news. Initially, we thought it wasn’t too serious. It seemed pretty good but it kind of blew up the day after.
“He has had surgery and it will put him out for a few months.
“We will see [back for next season]. To be honest, I have basic information on recovery. It will put him out for a while.”
Kulusevski’s injury is a major blow for Postecoglou, with the Australian facing a midfield selection crisis ahead of the final in Spain.
Postecoglou quashes Bergvall return rumours
James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall have both suffered season-ending injuries.
Maddison suffered a knee injury in the 3-1 Europa League semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt at the start of the month, while Bergvall suffered ankle ligament damage in training ahead of the same game.
Speculation was rife on social media on Wednesday night that the teenager could make a shock return against Man Utd, but Postecoglou has quashed those rumours.
Lucas Bergvall is another absentee in Bilbao
He said of Bergvall: “No, it’s still the same sort of timeframe.
“Never long term, but he’s just got out of his boot and taking his first steps on the grass. He’ll likely be a while.”
The absence of the trio leaves Spurs desperately short of creativity for next Wednesday’s final with Manchester United in Bilbao, where they will aim to end a 17-year trophy drought.
Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.
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From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.