(Credit: Imago)

Maddison shares message after being spotted in Bilbao ahead of Tottenham v Man United

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

21 May 2025, 2:16 am

Tottenham are preparing for the night of their life as they face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

The contest in Bilbao will throw up some intriguing narratives with both sides chasing Champions League football.

For Spurs, a win would also mean a first trophy since 2008 when they defeated Chelsea to lift the League Cup.

Ahead of the game, James Maddison has taken to social media to share a message with supporters.

Maddison has been missing with injury (Credit: Imago)

Maddison delivers social media message

Ange Postecoglou will be without a wealth of key players for the Lilywhites' defining trip to Spain.

Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall and Maddison are all injured and will play no part in the final.

Player	Injury
James Maddison	Knee
Lucas Bergvall	Ankle
Dejan Kulusevski	Knee
Timo Werner	Hamstring
Radu Dragusin	Knee

Tottenham's injury list looks bleak

Unlike several of Tottenham's team, Maddison has previously lifted silverware during his career while at Leicester City.

During his time in the East Midlands, the midfielder won the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

His injury has not stopped the 28-year-old from travelling with the squad to Bilbao, where he will cheer on from the sidelines.

Maddison reposted a photograph of himself from Spurs' Instagram story with "taking it all in" written underneath (20 May).

Maddison is in Bilbao for the final (Credit: Spurs Instagram)

Tottenham will rue injuries in Bilbao

Tottenham's season has followed a familiar, frustrating pattern.

For what feels like the entire campaign, the North London side has been burdened by a constant injury crisis.

That has led to Postecoglou putting together a makeshift team, where they have found it difficult to compete.

Heading into the final, it is the same story for Spurs, with injuries hitting key players.

Kulusevski is arguably the player whom Tottenham will miss the most.

His creativity in midfield is priceless, and his ability to pick out a key pass and glide past opponents is vital to their play.

Maddison is another player who can hurt opponents, and the Lilywhites will pose less of a goal threat without him.

Of course, Postecoglou still has players who can hurt Man United, and if they want it more, then they can be victorious.

Tottenham must prey on United's frailties and earmark their recent head-to-head record to lift their first trophy in 17 years.

James Maddison