As Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United gear up for the 2025 UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday (May 21) at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, both teams are dealing with major injury concerns that could influence the outcome of this pivotal clash.
With a major European title and qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, the condition of key players is a central issue for managers Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim. Both managers face the tough task of adjusting to the circumstances and minimising the effects of these absences.

In their domestic campaigns, both clubs endured a tough season and are coming off one of the worst in their recent history. After 37 games, United and Spurs sit 16th and 17th, respectively. This final represents their only opportunity to claim silverware this season.
Tottenham have suffered a string of injuries, especially in midfield, which may significantly impact their fluidity and creativity in the final. The following players are confirmed or expected to miss the game:
James Maddison: The playmaker has been ruled out for the season after sustaining a knee injury in the semi-final versus Bodo/Glimt. Maddison, who has recorded 10 assists and 12 goals this season, will be a big miss for Postecoglou’s side.
Dejan Kulusevski: The influential midfielder had knee surgery on May 14, 2025, and won’t be available for the final. The Swedish international, who tallied 9 goals and 10 assists, was crucial to the Spurs’ offence. His loss further weakens their midfield setup.
Lucas Bergvall: The young talent is also sidelined for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury, depriving Spurs of another midfield alternative.
Timo Werner and Dane Scarlett: Both forwards are reportedly unavailable, though they were unlikely starters. Werner’s absence diminishes Spurs’ attacking depth, while Scarlett’s injury affects their bench strength.
Radu Dragusin and Sergio Regulion: Dragusin remains out with an ACL injury and is still recovering. Defensively, Sergio Regulion is also missing due to a minor hamstring issue.
Despite these issues, Tottenham do have some encouraging signs. Captain Son Heung-min, who recently overcame a foot injury, is expected to start after playing against Aston Villa in their last fixture. Additionally, Pape Matar Sarr has returned to team training and is likely to be available.
Manchester United have also dealt with injury troubles, but recent updates point toward a relatively stronger squad for the final. Several key names have resumed training, offering manager Ruben Amorim renewed hope.
Lisandro Martinez is the only defender confirmed to miss the game due to a long-standing injury, leaving United short on backline experience. Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt after picking up an injury against Brentford earlier in May. Although he travelled with the squad to Bilbao, he missed the latest training session.
Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch attacker who was initially ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury, has surprisingly returned to training and might make an appearance in the final. Leny Yoro has also recovered from a foot issue and is expected to start. Diogo Dalot has rejoined training as well and could feature later in the match.