The Sun

That's all from Old Trafford

Where it's been a rare red letter day for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.

And once again both were grateful to Bruno Fernandes for leading the charge.

The captain hit a hat-trick as the Red Devils dispatched Real Sociedad in the Last 16 of the Europa League to set up a quarter-final clash with Lyon.

It was arguably United's best showing since Amorim took charge, and an indication of what may yet lie ahead if the club can start to get things right. Watch this space.

Goodnight.

Dorgu: We played our own game

Another standout star of Manchester United's four-goal display was Patrick Dorgu.

The Dane was a constant threat on the left, and was responsible for winning a penalty as well as the foul that led to Real Sociedad's red card.

It is perhaps no surprise that both he and Ayden Heaven - two winter signings - were so pivotal to the best attacking performance of Ruben Amorim's reign.

It was a really good win and we dominated from the first minute. They got an early penalty but after that we responded well and played well. The key was to control the game with the ball and be patient, not to overthink too much and just to play our game.

Patrick Dorgu

Amorim: Bruno deserves titles

Ruben Amorim paid tribute to Bruno Fernandes - and then declared that his captain should be regularly winning leagues and cups.

The Portuguese ace played another starring role as Manchester United saw off Real Sociedad in the Europa League, although the Red Devils boss also admitted that his compatriot can be guilty of doing too much.

Sometimes he wants to win too much. It's not a bad thing, but sometimes he goes around in different positions and shows frustration. He can play set-pieces, he can score penalties under pressure, and make transitions late in games. We need to help him win titles because he deserves it.

Ruben Amorim

From Martin Blackburn at Old Trafford

A great night for Ruben Amorim and his Portuguese men of four.

Diogo Dalot got on the scoresheet late on but it was all about Bruno Fernandes who claimed the match-ball and led by example all night.

Amid all the slashing of costs and job cuts at United they may have to find a way to give Fernandes a pay rise.

Time and time again he comes to their rescue and it is thanks to him that they will be in quarter finals next month – with the dream of Champions League football next season still alive.

Tonight's Europa League ties

It's been a good night for both English sides in the Europa League with Tottenham also progressing after fighting back to eliminate AZ Alkmaar.

But Rangers have a scrap on their hands after seeing their two-goal advantage wiped out by Fenerbache at Ibrox, where they are now into extra-time.

Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2) FT

Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (Agg: 3-3) EXTRA TIME BEING PLAYED

Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 3-2) FT

Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)

They may have been helped by two penalties and a red card, but four-goal victories and successful European nights are what many in this stadium were brought up on.

Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)

United are ending this one with a flourish, and suddenly these players - beleaguered for so long - are playing with a real confidence.

They're queuing up to score too, and when Rasmus Hojlund does well to work the ball back in from the byline, Dalot arrives to sidefoot into the roof the net.

Man Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 4-2)

Not disheartened by missing out on the opportunity to net a hat-trick of penalties, the Manchester United captain simply rises to the fore on the next attack.

Taking advantage of the extra man, Fernandes overlaps on the right to receive Alejandro Garnacho's measured pass, and promptly whips his shot low past Alex Remiro and into the bottom corner.

It's a second Manchester United treble for the Portuguese ace, and his first for three-and-a-half years.

Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)

It's the lively Dorgu who is sent sprawling again, this time by the sliding challenge of Traore.

The Real Sociedad player can't believe it, and I'm not sure Dorgu can either as he appears to tell the referee 'no penalty'.

It prompts a VAR check in which the referee is informed that the defender won the ball first before the United man was sent to ground.

Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)

Bruno Fernandes is pulling strings, and it's he who sets off Noussair Mazraoui for some brilliance on the right flank.

A nutmeg and a measured cross puts a chance on a plate for Joshua Zirkzee, who heads despairingly wide.

From Martin Blackburn at Old Trafford

Bruno Fernandes was the coolest man on the park – slotting home his second spot-kick of the night just after half time.

Where would United be without their skipper and talisman? More than likely going out of the Europa League.

Sociedad going down to 10-men following Aramburu’s red card means the quarter finals beckon for Amorim’s men.

Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)

Garnacho finds room on the right flank, but makes a mess of his cross with plenty of options available.

It's an easy clearance for the the defender, except he instead takes such a heavy touch that it allows Hojlund to take over.

The striker has time and room to weigh up his finish yet takes advantage of neither, scuffing a wayward shot straight at an opponent.

WILSON ODOBERT went from Mr Forgettable to the centre of attention by rescuing Ange Postecoglou in his hour of need.

The Frenchman, 20, has hardly played since joining from Burnley in August for £25million due to a serious hamstring injury.

But he stepped up when it mattered most here as his first goals for the club helped Spurs to a second-leg comeback against AZ and into the Europa League last eight.

Odobert netted either side of a James Maddison strike, which he also had a hand in, and a Peer Koopmeiners’ effort which gave AZ some short-lived hope.

It was vindication for boss Postecoglou for starting the youngster despite his lack of game-time.

And a decision that may well have helped save his job.

Make no mistake, the heat could have cranked up to intolerable levels on the Aussie if he had lost this game.

It would have effectively ended their season, given they are out of both domestic cups and down to 13th in the league.

But victory last night keeps their Europa League dream alive and the possibility that this difficult second season can still have a glorious finale under the ex-Celtic chief.

Postecoglou’s side had stunk the place out in the first leg at the home of the Cheese Farmers.

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That is the delightful nickname for AZ Alkmaar on account of the town’s association with the much-loved sandwich filler.

Tottenham were lucky to lose only 1-0 and were it not for a couple of top stops from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, they would have been toast at the halfway stage of this tie.

Postecoglou was boosted by his first-choice centre-back pairing being able to start for the first time in three months.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven had not lined up alongside each other since they both got injured at home to Chelsea on December 8.

Romero made his comeback in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and looked rusty as an old nail, misplacing passes left, right and centre.

But here he looked far more focused from the off and looked to spark attacks from deep whenever he could.

The Argentine World Cup winner also added that fire that has been sorely lacking from the Spurs in recent months, snapping into tackles and giving former team-mate Troy Parrott a rollicking when he felt the Irishman was feigning injury.

Vicario, Postecoglou and Son had urged the Spurs fans to generate a buzzing atmosphere ahead of the game to give the team every advantage of turning it round.

And in fairness, the crowd duly obliged by bringing the noise.

Spurs looked far sharper than in the Netherlands - admittedly, a low bar to overcome - and their pressing game was on point.

In fact it was from some tireless closing down by captain Son Heung-min that the hosts took the lead.

The South Korean’s industry paid off as Wouter Goes’ poor pass deflected off the Spurs skipper into Dominic Solanke’s path.

Solanke then squared for Odobert, who blasted in his first strike since the opening day of the season for Burnley against Luton in the Championship - four days before he joined Spurs.

Postecoglou often criticises his side for being “too passive” after bad displays but they were aggressive in everything they did here, with Romero and Van de Ven setting the tone.

But Spurs have always looked capable of shooting themselves in the foot during Postecoglou’s reign - and long before that, in truth - so you always feared a mistake.

Pedro Porro provided one just before half-time with a weak pass straight to the opposition which led to the excellently-named Zico Buurmeester firing a warning shot wide.

Then shortly after half-time, Vicario had fans having kittens as he messed around with the ball at his feet and almost lost it to Parrott right in front of his goal.

Yet seconds later, Spurs were 2-0 up.

Porro won the ball and played it to Odobert, who shipped it on to Maddison.

The England man, desperate for a recall to the national squad today (FRI), exchanged a clever one-two with Son before firing home his 11th goal of the season.

Spurs looked relatively comfortable at that point - but then, just after the hour, disaster struck.

Odobert had raced back to intercept but then saw Bergvall’s careless pass ricochet off him into the path of Koopmeiners, who provided the most clinical of finishes.

Eleven minutes later though, the former PSG academy man more than made up for it by finishing off a breathtaking team goal at the far post.

Maddison began the move with a clever turn which led to Spence cutting the ball across the box, Solanke backheeling it on and Odobert sticking it in at the far post.

It was Ange Ball at its finest - which could not have come at a better time for Postecoglou.

The goal reminded everyone what his team is capable of when they are purring, and just why this season can still be a success.

TOTTENHAM captain Son Heung-min had to intervene as James Maddison and Pedro Porro squabbled over free-kick duty.

Spurs were 1-0 against AZ Alkmaar just before the break when the set-piece was awarded.

Maddison picked up the ball ready to take it but was challenged by Porro - who tried to grab it from him.

The two were then in a heated exchange of words before skipper Son get between the two for Maddison to take the free-kick.

One fan said: "This is so embarrassing."

Another fumed: "I hate this nonsense with a passion."

One said: "Son Heung-min, a footballer with zero haters."

Another joked: "Why do they have to keep embarrassing me."

Maddison actually doubled Spurs' lead on 48 minutes and was joined in celebration by Porro.

His goal was sandwiched by two Wilson Odobert strikes which saw Tottenham win 3-1 on the night.

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That was enough to see them progress 3-2 on aggregate, relieving the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglu.

Spurs play Frankfurt in the quarter-finals and Maddison said: "The next stage is what we set out to do at the start of the two legs.

"There was a lot of talk after last week's performance, we were honest with ourselves it wasn't good enough.

"I know what we're capable of here and we got the job done. We haven't achieved anything yet, we're in the quarter-final and we kick on and we look forward to it."

TOTTENHAM stars all wore mismatched socks for training ahead of their Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

Many may have been confused by the different kit - but it was for a good reason.

Ange Postecoglou's players were prepping for their round of 16 second leg tie when they wore the mismatched socks.

The reason behind the choice of different socks was to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

A club statement read: "We are proudly supporting Down Syndrome Awareness Week, with our men’s and women’s first team players today training in colourful mismatched socks.

"Wearing mismatched socks is the perfect way to show that no two people are the same – regardless of the number of chromosomes they have.

"People across the world are encouraged to take part by ‘rocking their socks’ on Thursday March 21, World Down Syndrome Day.

"Our players wore a range of colourful mismatched socks, provided by Nike, at a session attended by young people with Down syndrome and their families."

Meanwhile, there were some concerns for Spurs ahead of the clash against Alkmaar.

The North London side lost the first leg 1-0 in Holland after Lucas Bergvall's own-goal.

Postcoglou was without January signing Kevin Danso, who was not spotted.

The manager admitted: "Kevin got a hamstring injury in the last game so he's out."

Forward Richarlison was also training by himself as he builds his fitness.

The Europa League is Spurs' last chance to win silverware this season after exits in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

It also represents the only likely entry into European football for the 2025/26 season.

In Postecoglou's press conference, he was asked if he regretted making the claim that he always wins a trophy in his second season with a club.

He said: "My view has always been when you're asked something, you answer it.

"People have used it for their own purposes to make out I was making a bold claim. I was just stating a fact [about the past].

"If we do win a trophy this season, then some people might say 'oh isn't it nice that he did that after making such a bold claim'.

"It wasn't.

"People will just use it the way they want to, whatever the circumstances."

ANGE POSTECOGLOU was right about one thing: We will miss him when he’s gone.

Neutral fans will, at least, with this the very latest in a madcap series of matches during his Spurs tenure, full of goals, incident and helter-skelter action.

Tottenham supporters may be less enamoured by all the chaos, though.

And many had had just about enough of it when Bournemouth were looking on course to inflict what would have been a record eighth Prem home defeat of the season.

That was after clinical goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had them cruising at 2-0.

But then Pape Matar Sarr’s bizarre strike grabbed Postecoglou a lifeline.

Before Kepa Arrizabalaga helped revive them completely by needlessly taking out Son Heung-min in the box.

Son’s scuffed penalty - nothing seems to go smoothly for Postecoglou this season - grabbed an unlikely point.

Whether it provides any confidence for the team or for supporters going into Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg against AZ Alkmaar is another matter.

That match, after all, is the one that really matters to saving Spurs’ season - and possibly Postecoglou’s job - with the North Londoners’ 1-0 down from Thursday’s horrendous first leg.

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The Aussie had his big-hitters back here too with Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke starting for the first time in months.

While Micky van de Ven came off the bench too after his own lengthy injury lay-off.

Yet Tottenham looked as shambolic as ever for most of the match.

And Cherries boss Andoni Iraola - likely a prime candidate to take over here if Postecoglou does not make it to next season - must be scratching his head over how his team did not win.

To say Romero looked rusty on his long-awaited return would be an understatement - he was all over the place.

The Argentine’s awful pass with 18 seconds on the clock went straight to Evanilson, who should have scored but was denied by Guglielmo Vicario’s excellent save.

More poor Romero distribution led to Yves Bissouma giving the ball away on the edge of his box three minutes later but once again Vicario came to the rescue to repel Justin Kluivert.

A few weeks ago, Spurs survived an early onslaught from Ipswich to win 4-1 at Portman Road.

That victory was their third league one in a row, earning Postecoglou a nomination for Premier League manager of the month for February, even if the performances had been unconvincing.

But Bournemouth are a far better team than Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, so a similar turnaround was never on the cards.

Iraola’s side were not exactly hitting top gear - they themselves had lost their last two league games - but always carried a threat.

And when Pedro Porro’s misplaced pass went to Milos Kerkez just outside the Cherries box on 42 minutes, that threat turned to punishment for the hosts.

The Hungarian galloped the ball forward into space, driving midway into the Spurs’ half before sending a sumptuous, swerving cross towards the far post.

It flew over Kevin Danso’s head and there was Tavernier, who had ghosted past Djed Spence and clinically dispatched a half-volley this time too good for Vicario.

There has been a lot of transfer talk surrounding Kerkez who has been one of many success stories under Iraola.

Liverpool have been consistently mentioned as possible suitors as part of their succession planning for when Andy Robertson’s time comes to an end.

There was certainly a resemblance there to a peak Robertson in Kerkez’s assist here, from the long-busting stride into enemy territory to the sweet-as-a-nut delivery.

The goal rocked fragile Spurs and angered their frustrated supporters.

There were widespread boos as the half-time whistle goes, with patience fast running out after yet another dismal half.

Postecoglou clearly knew it had not been good enough because he made two subs at the break, hauling off Brennan Johnson and Bissouma with captain Son Heung-min and Lucas Bergvall introduced.

The game looked up for his side just seven minutes into the rebound when Justin Kluivert dispatched Evanilson’s cross to conclude a devastating counter-attack.

But mercifully for Postecoglou and his side, VAR spotted that Antoine Semenyo had been offside in the build-up.

The Aussie desperately needed a response and he almost got one straight away as Son’s deflected effort clipped a post.

Spurs called for yet more reinforcements on the hour as James Maddison came on - along with the returning Micky van de Ven.

The Dutchman had played just 45 minutes since that Chelsea game in December - the same one when Romero got injured - due to a hamstring problem.

He did come back for a half against Elfsborg on January 30 but it proved a false dawn.

So no wonder the Spurs physio spent a good minute or so massaging the Dutchman’s upper legs before he took to the field.

Van de Ven had only been on for a few minutes before Bournemouth doubled their lead.

That man Kerkez, who had just drawn a super stop from Vicario with a blast, gave it to Kluivert who fed Evanilson and the Brazilian produced a delightful dinked finish over Vicario.

That looked game, set and match, even when Bergvall crashed the woodwork soon after from 30 yards.

But then a Sarr’ wildly mishit cross somehow flew in off the post and the contest was back on.

Chaos reigned supreme as Vicario was almost charged down on his goal-line by Evanilson, before Kluivert struck a post after Maddison lost the ball.

Then just as Bournemouth looked like they were going to see it out, Kepa needlessly took Son out in the box, allowing the South Korean to convert a point-saving spot-kick.

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ALL English eyes were on Harry Kane this week as he bagged a brace in Bayern Munich's Champions League grudge match against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.

Xabi Alonso’s side were the latest ones to make Kane wait for that elusive first major title of his career when they ended Munich’s decade of domestic supremacy last term.

Kane's double on Wednesday night inspired Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win in the Champions League last 16, putting them in good stead for advancing past their German counterparts in Europe's elite competition.

But irrespective of what happens in next week's second leg, there seems nothing that can prevent that German title medal going round his neck within a few weeks.

Bayern are eight points - effectively nine given their hugely better goal difference - clear of Leverkusen with ten games to play.

And their remaining opponents including six of the bottom eight and only Mainz and Leipzig in the top six.

It means Kane is on course to lay that bogey to rest - and think about the OTHER main club goal of his career.

That would be for him to overhaul Alan Shearer’s Prem record tally of 260 goals - and potentially set a mark that might NEVER be broken.

Kane scored 213 goals in 320 top flight games for Spurs before his £100m move to Bavaria in 2023, meaning he is just 47 goals behind Shearer’s tally - set in 441 appearances for Blackburn and Newcastle.

Despite his impressive stats at Bayern, with 57 goals in 58 Bundesliga appearances and 73 in 78 matches in all competitions, Kane is not universally popular, being questioned over his contribution outside the 18-yard box and in the “big” games.

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Last month, claims that he might be available this summer if a club matched his £67m release clause were not denied.

That looked to open the door to a Prem return. So where could Kane, who turns 32 in July, go?

TOTTENHAM

A return to N17 would be the dream of Spurs fans - even if the club splashed out £65m to land Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer.

Kane became Tottenham’s all-time record scorer in his final season at the Lane, ending on 280 goals from 435 games as he went past Jimmy Greaves’ mark.

Many Spurs fans remain convinced they would have been playing Champions League football this season if the club had put faith in Ange Postecoglou working his magic with Kane in the side - even if that would have risked him leaving for nothing last summer.

Kane was desperate to land silverware with Tottenham - he spent nearly two decades at the club and will always be “one of our own”.

But Kane also felt let down by Daniel Levy when his proposed move to Manchester City fell through in 2021 and it is unclear if he would consider a return to the club while the current hierarchy are in place.

Or if Spurs would be willing to meet that asking price.

ARSENAL

Unthinkable, surely.

Kane knows how Sol Campbell is remembered by Tottenham fans after he walked out on the club to join the Gunners in 2001 - and even if it was not a direct swap he would risk destroying his reputation.

But one of the most famous pictures of the young Kane was him wearing an Arsenal shirt and celebrating the “Invincibles” and their 2004 triumph - when the Prem was won at White Hart Lane.

He was also on Arsenal’s books as a youngster, released after a year in their academy at the age of nine and who was then picked up by Watford before joining Spurs in 2004.

Despite that, Kane has always insisted he grew up as a Spurs fan in a Spurs-supporting family.

And Arsenal supporters loathed him with a passion when he scored goal after goal against them - accusing him of all sorts of nefarious activities because he was so streetwise on top.

Yet Arsenal’s need for a proper No 9 has become a running joke in the game - even more than previously this season.

There is no better authentic line leader than Kane, even into his early 30s.

Can you imagine how much delight there would be from the Gooners if that happened?

CHELSEA

When Mauricio Pochettino was unveiled as Chelsea boss in 2023, the spectre of Kane following him into Stamford Bridge left many Spurs fans suffering nightmares.

Barely 18 months on and Pochettino is long gone.

But Chelsea’s need for a totemic central striker who can also be a creator supreme has not gone away.

The new Chelsea transfer approach under Todd Boehly has been focused on young players, long-term deals and potential future sales value.

That would not be a situation with Kane, who has maybe four seasons at the top level left in his locker, with little or no sell-on value even after a couple of campaigns.

While it is hard to envisage Kane wearing Arsenal’s red shirt, the animosity towards Chelsea from Spurs fans is nowhere near as strong - even if it is arguably even deeper the other way, with many Blues supporters viewing Tottenham as their REAL rival.

MANCHESTER UNITED

United wheeled out the big guns to try to lure Kane on at least two occasions in the past.

Gary Neville’s infamous golf course video interview caused major issues at boardroom level in N17, with anger through the roof.

Both times, despite the opportunities, Kane refused the invitation - making it clear that he was committed to Tottenham first time round and then effectively choosing City on the next occasion.

That Kane would consider going to a United in a state of utter flux now, if he does want to leave Germany, is even harder to imagine.

But United’s need for someone who really could make a difference is unquestioned, with fans looking at Rasmus Hojlund’s statistics and shaking their heads at the Dane.

Likewise for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, landing Kane would be a game-changer.

Remember how Robin van Persie was signed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season “present” to fire United to the title.

IVAN PERISIC has done the "Spursiest" thing ever having been on the wrong end of a hammering by Arsenal.

The former Tottenham winger started for PSV against the Gunners in the first-leg of the round of 16 clash in the Champions League.

The match did not go well for Perisic or the rest of his Dutch side in the Philips Stadion.

Jurrien Timber netted the opener before Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino made it 3-0.

Noa Lang did get one back for PSV before the break to offer a slim chance of a positive result.

But all chances of a comeback were quickly put to bed as the Gunners hit FOUR more in the second half to win 7-1.

Following the match, Perisic's quotes about the match resurfaced on social media.

The Croatian had fired a dig at his former rivals by suggesting that they were "always missing something" in the hunt for trophies.

He was referring to the Gunners' failures in the Premier League in recent seasons, which has seen them miss out on the title to Manchester City.

The North London outfit also look set to miss out on the title yet again this season but this time to Liverpool.

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He said: "It’s going to be tough, they are a really good team, a young team,

"Good coach, but in the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something.

"We have to be ready and I know we are going to have a good chance to beat them.

"I really believe in my team.

"We have trained well and tactically we have to be on the top level to show something good against them."

Fans were quick to bring up to the bold comment following the match as they poked fun at the former Spurs star.

One posted: "Spoke too soon."

A second wrote: "You can get Ivan out of Tottenham but you can’t get Tottenham out of Ivan."

Another said: "Spursiest thing ever that is."

A fourth added: "You’ll never wash the Tottenham out of him."

Perisic will somewhat be feeling he has some egg on his face following the full-time whistle in Holland.

The Croatian signed for PSV in September, having signed a one-year contract after leaving Hajduk Split.

He left Spurs in January 2024 for Hajduk initially on loan before the move was made permanent in the summer.

Odegaard hailed Arsenal's performance at full-time as he spoke to Amazon.

He said: "Unfortunately we conceded one goal but apart from that it was a top performance.

"We work hard every day to improve, especially after performances like the West Ham one, we want to do better. We always work hard, and today it clicked.

"Of course, I think every player in my position wants to influence the game. For me this season I haven’t been good enough.”

The result leaves PSV with the biggest mountain ever to climb to have any hope of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid celebrated their 500th game in the competition as they beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

TOTTENHAM'S injury crisis has gone from bad to worse as star forward Dejan Kulusevski has suffered a foot injury.

Spurs' 2024-25 campaign has been marred by injuries, with key players including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, and Micky van de Ven suffering extended absences.

Sweden international Kulusevski is the latest among the wounded. He has been a fixture in Ange Postecoglou's side this season, contributing seven goals and four assists in 27 league appearances.

The Daily Mail report he is undergoing tests as Tottenham look to confirm the full extent of the injury.

It is not yet clear how the injury was sustained, though he will likely miss Thursday's trip to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League knockout stage.

He will also be a doubt as Spurs host Bournemouth on Sunday in a crunch Premier League tie as Spurs look to climb back into the top half of the table.

Spurs may also ask him to skip Sweden's matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland in the March international break so as to continue his recovery in London.

This injury is the first of Kulusevski's season and only the second he has suffered since signing for Tottenham.

The last came in September 2022 when he missed 10 matches with a thigh problem.

Postecoglou and Tottenham's season has been heavily impacted by injuries, with various key players regularly missing extended spells. Solanke

A run of one win in 11 matches between December and January saw Spurs plunge to 15th in the table.

He has now recovered slightly to 13th, Postecoglou has been quick to deflect blame.

"Its just injuries," he said in late January.

"I think the squad we have got together now, they are an exciting squad.

"When they are all fit the club will benefit, not just this year but for many years to come."

FORMER Tottenham midfielder Dennis Bond has passed away at the age of 77.

Spurs led the tributes with a statement on social media that read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Dennis Bond at the age of 77.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Dennis’ friends and family at this impossibly sad time."

A boyhood Tottenham fan, Bond grew up in Walthamstow and kicked off his professional playing career with Watford.

He made his debut for the Hornets aged just 17 and went on to earn over 100 senior appearances before joining Spurs in 1967.

Over his three-year spell at White Hart Lane, Bond made 27 first team appearances, scoring once.

He then moved on to Charlton before ending his playing career in non-league.

The ex-midfielder officially hung up his boots at the age of 55 after featuring for Boreham Wood, Waltham Abbey and Potters Bar Town.

Fans took to social media to express their condolences, with one person writing: "Walthamstow lad. My thoughts with his family and friends."

Another said: "RIP Dennis."

A third wrote: "Very sad to hear this news."

While a fourth commented: "May he rest in peace."