Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur)'s absence due to injury has been officially announced, but there is a prevailing atmosphere in the UK where this is not taken at face value. Some local media and fans are raising suspicions that this absence could be a 'signal' towards a future release.
Tottenham 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 Standard Time). The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, and they must secure a victory in the away second leg to advance to the semifinals.
Tottenham has lost their ace and captain Son Heung-min in the most crucial match of the season.
The Tottenham club officially announced on the 17th through its official channel, "Son Heung-min has been excluded from the away roster as he continues to feel pain in his foot." This marks his second consecutive absence following the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and while there was a possibility of a return for the second leg, it is explained that he ultimately did not recover.
Manager Ange Postecoglou explained that Son Heung-min was monitored for a "foot contusion injury," but it was determined that he could not participate. He is the only player excluded from this away match.
Despite this announcement, the local media 'Tottenham HQ' raised questions. Immediately after the news broke, the outlet asked, "It has been reported that Son Heung-min's injury existed several weeks ago, so why was he excluded from the most important match, the Europa League second leg?"
It was also reported that "fans are not accepting this absence due to injury without reservations."
In particular, Son Heung-min's absence in the match against Wolverhampton was viewed as a decision based on rotation, and no detailed explanation regarding the injury was provided. Manager Postecoglou only mentioned that he "felt a bit of pain." Amidst this, the sudden announcement of his ineligibility for the Frankfurt match led some local fans to question whether he was strategically excluded.
Tottenham HQ pointed out, "Son Heung-min's standing within the team has been shaky lately. As interest from the Saudi Arabian Professional League is becoming more concrete, this early exclusion could be a sign that Tottenham is beginning to prepare for a future without Son Heung-min."
It was added, "The club is attempting to give practical experience to young talents like Matthijs de Ligt, and Son Heung-min has not been making a significant impact in recent matches."
In fact, Son Heung-min has recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 43 matches this season, but the entire team has fallen into a slump where he could not avoid inconsistencies in performance. In the Premier League, Tottenham has dropped to 15th place, making their entry into European competitions virtually impossible.
Tottenham currently finds itself in a situation where survival on the European stage is only possible through winning the Europa League. In such a crucial moment, playing the away match against Frankfurt without Son Heung-min is a tremendous blow both strategically and symbolically. However, some fans and media interpret this absence as a signal marking the 'end of the Son Heung-min era.'
Current Tottenham is not strong enough to overcome adverse conditions. And Son Heung-min's absence adds to those adverse circumstances as the biggest setback.
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