In the absence of Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), Tottenham Hotspur embarks on the most challenging away match to survive in European football. The season could end like this.

Tottenham will face Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, on the 18th (Korean time) for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals for the 2024-2025 season. The captain, Son Heung-min, will not be traveling for this away match due to a foot injury.

On the 17th, the Tottenham club officially announced through its channels, "Son Heung-min is still experiencing pain, so he has been excluded from the roster for the Frankfurt away match."

In the first leg, Tottenham managed only a 1-1 draw at home, and they must win the second leg to reach the semifinals. However, the absence of one of their key players, Son Heung-min, is a critical blow.

Previously, Son Heung-min also could not participate in the 32nd round Premier League away match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. At that time, there was speculation about a possible return for the second leg against Frankfurt, but recovery has been delayed, leading to consecutive absences from two matches.

According to club reports, coach Ange Postecoglou noted, "Son Heung-min was monitoring his condition after suffering a bruise to his foot, but ultimately, it was determined that he could not participate. He is the only player missing from this away match."

The situation for Tottenham is already serious. They have fallen to 15th place in the league with 37 points, and have been eliminated early from both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup). The only way for them to participate in European competitions is by winning the Europa League. However, having to secure an away victory in the quarterfinals without their star player is extremely harsh.

In the previous match against Wolverhampton, the absence of Son Heung-min was evident. Tottenham conceded a goal just two minutes into the match and fell behind 0-2 after an own goal in the first half. Substitutes Mathys Tel and Richarlison each scored a goal to make up for it, but defensive mistakes led to another conceded goal, resulting in a 2-4 defeat. It is rare to see Son Heung-min completely missing from the lineup.

In contrast, Frankfurt is on the rise. They recorded a 3-0 victory against Heidenheim in the Bundesliga immediately after the first leg, boosting their momentum. The fact that they show stronger performances at home adds pressure on Tottenham.

The British 'Daily Mail' reported, "For Tottenham, which is languishing in the lower ranks of the league, the Europa League is effectively the last hope," noting that "Son Heung-min has played 43 matches this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists, leading the team," emphasizing that he remains a key player for Tottenham. However, that hope has been lost at the most critical moment.

With inconsistent performances throughout the season, Tottenham appears unlikely to survive in European competitions without Son Heung-min. Every situation is unfavorable, and the current Tottenham is not strong enough to overcome such adverse conditions.

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