Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur)'s absence due to injury raised suspicions among some fans and local media, but the coach directly explained the extent of the injury, putting an end to the controversy.

The British 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 19th (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min is expected to be sidelined for a while due to a complex foot injury and is likely to miss the match against Nottingham Forest on the 21st."

Since starting in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal against Frankfurt, Son Heung-min has missed the subsequent league match against Wolverhampton and the away leg against Frankfurt. Especially in the crucial second leg, which was vital for the team's survival in Europe, he was completely excluded from the away roster, leading local fans and some media to raise suspicions that "there might be a background beyond just an injury."

In fact, Tottenham announced through its official channel on the 17th that "Son Heung-min is still feeling pain in his foot and cannot participate in matches," but local communities and media began to interpret, "Why was the captain Son Heung-min absent for the most important match?"

The British media 'TottenhamHQ' noted that "Son Heung-min's injury has been known for several weeks, but it remains a mystery why he missed the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal." They also expressed the view that "the club might be preparing to operate the team without Son Heung-min." Some fans interpreted this as "possibly a strategic exclusion," linking it to future transfer rumors.

In this regard, sports physical therapist and rehabilitation expert Dr. Rajpal Brar explained in an interview with Tottenham Hotspur that Son Heung-min's injury is not simply a precautionary absence. He emphasized that "the foot is a very complex area, and in matches where intense movements are repeated, such as professional football, it becomes even more complicated," and that "this injury changes from day to day, and the response to training and treatment is crucial."

Dr. Brar continued, "If Son Heung-min has not yet returned to full training, missing the Nottingham Forest match will be the most realistic choice," suggesting a need for a conservative approach.

Coach Ange Postecoglou also explained at an official press conference that "Son Heung-min has been monitored due to a foot injury, and it was deemed best for him to miss the away match for recovery," describing him as "the only player absent from this away game."

Despite the club's explanation and the expert's diagnosis aligning, Son Heung-min's injury has been placed under suspicion due to the recent decline in performance, changes in standing within the team, and transfer rumors.

Son Heung-min has recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 43 matches this season, but in recent games, his attacking contributions have stalled, and the team's performance has been declining. The Premier League ranking has dropped to 15th, and participation in European competitions, aside from winning the UEFA Europa League, is virtually impossible.

With Tottenham now having secured a spot in the semifinals, the timing of Son Heung-min's return has become an even more critical variable. The club is currently working with him on a tailored rehabilitation program, hoping for his return in the UEFA Europa League semifinals and the final round of the season.

After the Frankfurt match, Son Heung-min left a message on social media saying, "So, so proud. Well done! Let's keep moving forward!" encouraging his teammates, although some fans expressed disappointment, stating, "As the captain, he should have accompanied the team on the away trip."

Tottenham will face the Norwegian dark horse FK Bodø/Glimt in the next round of the UEFA Europa League. If Son Heung-min's return is realized, it is expected to greatly boost the team's journey on the European stage.

Coach Postecoglou directly denied a variety of rumors by saying, "Son Heung-min's injury is a long-standing issue, and it has reached a point where his condition is not improving but rather worsening. That is why we gave him a break."

He continued, "The players and Son Heung-min are still in contact. We discussed whether to take him on the away trip to Frankfurt, but we boldly decided to rest him for the semifinal. Son Heung-min is still part of our group chat. After winning against Frankfurt, he was truly delighted to return."

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