Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is at risk of losing his significant record.
The Standard reported on the 22nd that "Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is highly likely to miss the away match against Liverpool on the 28th. Son has already missed three games due to a foot injury. His health issues remain unresolved."
Son was injured in the foot after a deep tackle in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals against Frankfurt on the 11th. Initially, manager Ange Postecoglou said Son's injury was not serious. However, just before the second leg, he changed his statement, saying, "Son's condition has worsened rather than improved. We need to monitor his condition for the time being."
Postecoglou did not properly protect Son. Son was injured in the foot after a deep tackle from Frankfurt's Jermatéo Bahoja in the 16th minute of the second half of the first leg. Son complained of severe pain.
Son actually played for about 30 more minutes before being substituted. The coaching staff's failure to accurately assess the player's condition is also to blame. Consequently, Son, who did not receive timely treatment, exacerbated the injury.
Tottenham has fallen to 16th in the Premier League. Even if they lose all remaining matches, relegation is avoided for now. Tottenham will face Bode in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on May 2. Son is currently undergoing treatment aiming for a comeback in the Europa League, where there is still a possibility of winning. There is no need for him to risk playing against Liverpool.
The sudden injury has increased the likelihood of Son's significant record being broken. Since joining Tottenham in 2015, Son has consistently demonstrated scoring ability. After scoring 4 goals in the 2015-16 season to adapt to England, he surpassed 10 goals for eight consecutive years starting with 14 goals the following year. Notably, in 2022, he scored 23 goals, tying with Mohamed Salah as the top scorer, making him the first Asian player to achieve this.
This season, due to injuries, his consecutive record is at risk of being broken. So far, Son has registered 7 goals and 9 assists in the league, falling short of expectations.
With the inability to play before the match against Liverpool, Son has four league matches left. If Son scores more than three goals in these four matches, he can continue his double-digit scoring record. However, considering his recent slump, this may not be easy. Son's last field goal was on January 15 against Arsenal.
After scoring from a penalty kick against Bournemouth, Son went without a goal for five consecutive matches. Of course, if Son can regain his previous form, he could achieve a hat trick and continue his significant record in just one game.
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