Kulusevski set for months out, confirms Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Dejan Kulusevski will be out for several months in a huge blow to Tottenham’s Europa League final preparation.

Kulusevski took a blow to his knee during Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace and was substituted after just 19 minutes.

On Wednesday, Spurs confirmed the Sweden international had undergone surgery, though stopped short of ruling him out of next week’s final against Manchester United in Bilbao.

However, speaking ahead of Spurs’ clash with Aston Villa on Friday, Postecoglou confirmed Kulusevski was facing months on the sidelines.

“Obviously disappointing news. Initially we thought it wasn’t too serious,” he said.

“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.”

Kulusevski has made 50 appearances in all competitions this season, with 35 of those being starts. He has played a total of 3,449 minutes, registering 10 goals and 11 assists.

Only Dominic Solanke (23), Son Heung-min and James Maddison (both 22) have bettered Kulusevski’s total of 21 goal involvements for Spurs this campaign.

Kulusevski is not the only injury concern for Spurs ahead of next week’s final, with Maddison and Lucas Bergvall also ruled out.