Tottenham Hotspur are in a pivotal part of the season. Spurs have a crucial semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt to navigate.
A European trophy might not make up for the abysmal league position, but it will go a long way to relieve fans who have gone 17 years without seeing their beloved club clinch silverware.
Tottenham secured a 3-1 advantage in the first leg in North London, but they must avoid complacency in Norway tomorrow to book a place in the final.
Unfortunately, Tottenham received a massive injury blow ahead of the game, with playmaker James Maddison picking up a concerning injury in that first leg.
There is even worse news, as the BBC believe Maddison could miss the start of pre-season due to the knee injury.
The 28-year-old suffered suspected ligament damage in the Europa League tie, and while he will avoid surgery, his recovery is expected to take up to three months.
Maddison will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, including the Europa League final, should Spurs avoid defeat in the return leg tomorrow and the final Premier League fixtures.
The Tottenham medical team is still assessing the full extent of the damage.
However, early indications point to a race against time for Maddison to be available when pre-season preparations begin ahead of the 2025/26 season.
While the absence of the seven-cap England international is a blow for manager Ange Postecoglou, there is a silver lining.
No surgery means a more straightforward rehabilitation process. If everything goes to plan, Maddison should return for the start of the new campaign.
Still, the timing of the injury is deeply frustrating for the player and the club. Maddison is a pivotal player in the engine room, and his absence will be felt.
Turning setback into fuel for the final push – Opinion
Maddison’s absence is a setback, but it is an opportunity for Postecoglou to rally his squad around a clear message – finish the job for one of their own.
Spurs have shown resilience under Postecoglou all season, especially in light of their numerous injury concerns, and this moment is no different.
If Tottenham navigate the second leg in Norway, a Europa League final against Manchester United could await.
Spurs have already shown they can beat Man Utd with a 1-0 win in February. Now, with Maddison sidelined, Postecoglou has the perfect rallying point.
Channelling the frustration into extra motivation could galvanise the group at the most pivotal moment.