Both Tottenham and Manchester United have major injury concerns heading into the Europa League final.
Manchester United and Tottenham find themselves in very similar situations heading into the Bilbao showpiece.
Sitting 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League table, both United and Spurs need to get their hands on the Europa League trophy to salvage what has otherwise been a terrible campaign.
Ruben Amorim travels to Spain with a near full-strength squad but Matthijs de Ligt missed training on Tuesday suggesting the Dutch defender will miss the final. Long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez will also be absent.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
James Maddison starred vs Man United but misses the final
United have only beaten an Ange Postecoglou side once and Amorim is also looking for his first win against Spurs after losing twice already to the North London side this season.
Earlier this season, United lost 1-0 to Spurs in the Premier League and James Maddison was the match-winner in London.
After that match in February, Postecoglou was full of praise for Maddison’s impact. As quoted by the Premier League, he said: “It was enormous to have them back, not just for me, but for the players, for the staff, the fans.
“They are top players [Maddison and Vicario], and we have missed them, even though the other guys have done everything in their power to contribute.
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“There is a reason the experienced players are there and today they really stood up for us.”
However, Maddison is injured for the Europa League final alongside Dejan Kulusevski. He is set to miss the final, meaning United won’t have to deal with him in Bilbao.
James Maddison still travelled with Tottenham for Europa League final
While United planned on travelling to Bilbao on Tuesday evening, Tottenham set off to Spain on Monday and held their training session at the San Mames Stadium.
Via Tottenham’s Instagram, it was a surprise to see Maddison join the Spurs squad travelling on the team bus.
READ MORE: Manchester United name 26-man travelling squad for Europa League final vs Tottenham, Leny Yoro included
Maddison has said himself that he will miss the final, so there is very little chance of him featuring on Wednesday night, but he has travelled to provide some leadership and experience in the Tottenham dressing room.
With Maddison and Kulusevski injured, Postecoglou could rely on former United target Mathys Tel to start on Wednesday evening.