Dejan Kulusevski replacement for Tottenham vs Man Utd Europa League final as five options emerge

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It was just never going to be straightforward for Tottenham heading into the Europa League final considering the season Ange Postecoglou's side have gone through. Following a host of injuries across the campaign, Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison have this month found themselves in the treatment room due to ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Tottenham were given another injury scare on Sunday as Dejan Kulusevski left the field after only 19 minutes in the 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Postecoglou said at the time "it looks like a knock" but confirmation of the extent of the injury arrived on Wednesday evening and unfortunately it's not good news for the Lilywhites.

"We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend," read a statement from the north London club. "Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today (Wednesday) and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately."

Tottenham have now lost their most creative midfielders to injury and it leaves Postecoglou with a huge decision to make heading into next Wednesday's Europa League final. So who could actually take Kulusevski's place in the starting XI in Bilbao? football.london takes a look below.

Sarr starts

Pape Matar Sarr will be leading the way to take Kulusevski's place in the Tottenham team in the Europa League final. The Senegalese ace can play in a variety of midfield roles, with Postecoglou waxing lyrical about Sarr's ability to play all across midfield when asked back in November 2023.

The 22-year-old has demonstrated during his time at the club that he can get his name on the scoresheet, notably scoring against Qarabag and Ferencvaros in this season's Europa League campaign. Sarr may have found himself in and out of the team this season but there may be a huge opportunity for him just around the corner.

Bentancur advanced

One other option for Postecoglou is to push Rodrigo Bentancur further forward. The Uruguayan was at his best in a Tottenham shirt when he had Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg alongside him as his former teammate gave him the opportunity to push forward and influence things in the final third more.

During the 2022/23 campaign prior to his ACL injury at Leicester City, Bentancur chipped in with crucial late goals against Sporting CP, Bournemouth and Leeds United. He is going to be a big player for Tottenham wherever he plays next Wednesday.

Odobert as No.10

Wilson Odobert played some of the Crystal Palace defeat as a No.10 but he didn't exactly take his opportunity with both hands. As he has played in the role before, the Frenchman is an option to play there if Postecoglou wants to start with him in the final.

Tottenham are at Aston Villa on Friday night and that could present Odobert with another shot in the position. If that proves to be the case, he must take it if he wants to have a prominent role in the showpiece finale.

Bergvall return

Tottenham supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that Bergvall can make a shock return in time for the final. Postecoglou was asked in his Aston Villa pre-match press conference about the Swede making a miracle recovery for next Wednesday but the Australian stated "he won't be available" despite taking his first steps on back on grass after having his protective boot removed.

The fact he is out of the boot and back on grass is a positive - even if he is to miss out on the final - but he does have six days to try and somehow make a remarkable recovery. Postecoglou will no doubt be pushed further on the teenager in his next couple of press conferences and all will be praying for positive news.

Formation change

Finally, the loss of Tottenham's most creative midfielders could possibly see Postecoglou and his staff consider a formation change. It would be a huge surprise if the head coach opted for this in a final but the players at his disposal at present may suit a 4-4-2 formation.

That in turn would see Richarlison and Dominic Solanke start up front together, with players such as Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min, Mathys Tel and Odobert as options out wide. Yves Bissouma and Bentancur would be the midfield two in a 4-4-2 setup.

A look behind the scenes & Postecoglou's big decision against Aston Villa. Click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham!

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