'Captain' Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) may not survive without Tottenham Hotspur on the road against Eintracht Frankfurt. A challenge that is practically impossible is about to begin.
Tottenham Hotspur will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals for the 2024-2025 season at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, on the 18th (Korea time). Tottenham received a disappointing result of 1-1 in the home match against Frankfurt on the 11th.
They must win the second leg at all costs. However, Son Heung-min will be absent from this crucial away match. They have lost their 'greatest weapon' in a single match that could determine the outcome.
Tottenham announced through its official website on the 17th, "Son Heung-min has been excluded from the roster for this away match in Frankfurt due to a foot injury." Son Heung-min had also missed the Premier League Round 32 match against Wolverhampton Wanderers previously, and there was speculation that he might participate in the second leg, but ultimately, the pain has made it impossible for him to play.
In fact, Tottenham's season depends on the result of this match. In the league, they have fallen to 15th place with 37 points (11 wins, 4 draws, 17 losses), and they have also been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup). Without winning the Europa League, they have no chance of qualifying for European competitions next season.
Tottenham's strength without Son Heung-min is excessively weak. In the recent match against Wolverhampton, they suffered a complete defeat of 2-4 in his absence. They allowed the opening goal just 2 minutes into the match, followed by an own goal due to a lack of defensive concentration, and although Mathys Tel and Richarlison scored consolation goals, they collapsed again by conceding additional goals due to defensive mistakes.
In contrast, Frankfurt is on the rise. Just after the 1-1 draw in the first leg, they secured a 3-0 victory against Heidenheim in a league match, boosting their momentum. They are particularly strong at home and have plenty of experience in European competitions.
British media 'Daily Mail' reported earlier that "the Europa League is essentially Tottenham's last hope this season," adding, "Son Heung-min has made 43 appearances across all competitions this season, recording 11 goals and 12 assists." Yet, even the spark of hope has now extinguished.
According to the club's official website on the 17th, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said, "Son Heung-min had sustained a foot injury and was cautiously approaching his recovery. We had hoped for his return, but ultimately he could not join us."
Officially, Son Heung-min is the only player missing for Tottenham in the second leg. The absence of that one player could shake the entire match.
Tottenham, who had provided disappointment all season with inconsistent performances, finds it difficult to expect survival on the European stage without Son Heung-min. All that remains is a miracle. And the current Tottenham is not a team capable of creating that miracle.
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