Tottenham will be without midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, who is sidelined due to a persistent foot injury. Kulusevski has been a key player this season, scoring 10 goals, and his absence is a significant setback for manager Ange Postecoglou. Further assessments are pending to determine his recovery timeline.
On a positive note, defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, along with forward Dominic Solanke, have travelled with the squad to the Netherlands. Their fitness will be evaluated ahead of the match, offering potential boosts to Tottenham’s defensive and attacking options.
Analysts anticipate a high-scoring encounter, with expectations of over 3.5 goals, reflecting both teams’ attacking styles and recent performances. Tottenham’s superior squad depth positions them as the favorites, but AZ Alkmaar’s robust home record and European experience suggest a closely contested match.
Tottenham Hotspur’s performance against AZ Alkmaar will be pivotal in determining their season’s trajectory. Despite the absence of Kulusevski, the return of key defenders offers optimism. A victory in this first leg would significantly enhance their prospects of advancing in the Europa League and securing a coveted Champions League spot for the next season.
