Tottenham will face Manchester United in the Europa League final in a fortnight, with Ange Postecoglou being handed some welcome injury news in the build-up to that game
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been handed a much-needed injury boost heading into the Europa League final. Spurs smashed Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals to set up a date with Manchester United in Bilbao on 21 May.
The winner of the final will book an automatic spot in the Champions League next season. Meanwhile, the loser will be left looking at the ruins of a dreadful campaign, with both bosses under pressure.
United and Spurs have endured awful years, sitting 15th and 16th in the Premier League table respectively. Postecoglou has seen his standing at the club plummet over the course of the season.
While he had looked secure in his position this time last year, the Australian now appears on the brink of departing. He does have the chance of winning silverware, with Spurs’ last trophy coming way back in 2008.
A major reason for Tottenham’s struggles this term have been their injury issues. Postecoglou has been forced to deal with a number of crises, including at goalkeeper, in defence, midfield and attack.
READ MORE: Jermain Defoe lauds ‘powerful’ Harry Kane message after Bundesliga title triumphREAD MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Europa League Final decision sparks anger at Man Utd
The latest star to be ruled out is James Maddison, with the playmaker confirmed as missing the rest of the campaign. Captain Son Heung-min has also missed the last seven games with a foot issue.
But with the Europa League final fast approaching and a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace ahead on Sunday, Postecoglou has finally been handed some positive news, with Son edging towards a return.
“Everyone got through OK the other night,” Postecoglou said on Friday. “Half-hopeful that we get Sonny some minutes tomorrow so he’ll be the only one that sort of can come back in.
“I think what we do know about Thursday night, playing on an artificial pitch takes a lot out of the players – it’s fair to say they were sore.I remember when we played Tamworth, we actually got a couple of injuries in the game straight after that, I think, because of the surface.
“We’ve got to be careful about Sunday’s game, but next Friday it’s a bit different. I think we’ve just got to make decisions we think [are right]. Ultimately we want to be in a great condition come the final, so we’ll use that.”
The final will mark Postecoglou’s 100th game in charge of Spurs, with the Australian relishing the occasion. He added: “I think it is quite a significant achievement, you know, we’ve got ourselves to a European final.
“It hasn’t been without its challenges for sure, it hasn’t been a smooth run. It’s well chronicled but irrespective of all that just to reach a final of a major tournament, it’s hugely satisfying, but also really proud of the way this group has found a way.
“It’d be a nice little bow there for that 100 and it’s been a really full 100. It’s fair to say I’ve experienced just about every emotion in it and hopefully the one main emotion we’re all after will be the joy at the end of it.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.