Ange Postecoglou has broken his silence on a fresh Tottenham Hotspur injury just days before they play Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Manchester United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on 21 May in Bilbao — their fourth final in three seasons and a chance to end a turbulent campaign on a high.
The club lifted the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 under Erik ten Hag, though they fell short in the 2023 FA Cup final against Manchester City. Now under Rúben Amorim, United have another shot at silverware on the European stage.
It’s been a challenging season domestically, with United currently 16th in the Premier League and struggling for consistency. However, their run to the Europa League final has offered a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign.
Victory in Bilbao would not only secure a return to the Champions League but also provide Amorim with a strong platform heading into an important summer for the club’s rebuild.
Tottenham hit with another injury blow
While United lost against Chelsea on Friday evening, Tottenham fell to a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa in Birmingham, with goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara securing a win for Unai Emery’s men.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou chose to field a heavily rotated side during their penultimate league game of the season, with those like Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, and Brennan Johnson all rested.
However, early in the second half, defensive midfielder Pape Sarr came off the field, replaced by Yves Bissouma.
Although it seemed like a planned change, it was then reported that Sarr went straight down the tunnel with a Spurs’ medical team member, spelling an immediate issue for Postecoglou.
Postecoglou confirms latest on Sarr injury
Speaking after the loss at Villa Park, Postecoglou confirmed that the decision to substitute Sarr was more of a precaustion as he felt something in his back.
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“Pape felt something in his back, so we took him off as a bit of a precaution,” Postecoglou said. “I don’t think it’s anything too significant, speaking to him afterwards, but he just felt something in his back.
Sarr’s potential injury will still be a significant concern for Postecoglou ahead of the final, with a full assessment of the midfielder set to take place later this week.
Attacking duo Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have been confirmed absentees for the tie, and midfielder Lucas Bergvall is a doubt.
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