He is also missing the match against Liverpool. Ultimately, Son Heung-min's eyes are fixed on the coveted trophy.
Tottenham will face Liverpool in the 34th round of the 2024-2025 season English Premier League (PL) away match at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on the 28th (Korea time). The home team, Liverpool, can secure the league title even with a draw in this match. In contrast, Tottenham, with 37 points (11 wins, 4 draws, 18 losses), cannot ascend to the higher ranks, but they must prevent their opponents from winning the title.
However, there is actually no key player, the captain. The Tottenham club reported on its official website that manager Ange Postecoglou held a pre-match press conference on the 25th. He noted, "The squad remains unchanged. All players are fine since the last match," adding, "Only Son Heung-min is undergoing rehabilitation. He is recovering, but he is not ready to play in the Sunday match (against Liverpool)."
Son Heung-min has missed the last three matches due to a foot injury. He has missed the league match against Wolverhampton on the 13th, where they lost 2-4, the second leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarterfinals against Frankfurt (Germany) on the 18th, which confirmed their advancement to the semifinals (1-0 win), and the league 33rd round against Nottingham Forest on the 22nd (1-2 loss).
In many ways, Tottenham is unsettled due to Son Heung-min's absence. Football Transfer reported on the 23rd that "Tottenham may show interest in signing Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa decides to abandon the full transfer." Rashford was previously regarded as a key resource to shape the future of Manchester United. However, due to ongoing inconsistencies and struggles in recent seasons, his position within the team has become limited. After being loaned to Aston Villa during this season's winter transfer market, he is gradually recovering his performance and attempting a resurgence.
The media stated that Tottenham is considering various replacement options for Son Heung-min's long-term situation, and Rashford is included in the list. "Rashford is among the players likely to leave Manchester United this summer. Tottenham is closely monitoring his transfer situation and is said to be evaluating the possibility of acquiring him," it added.
Additionally, "Rashford has been showing positive performances since joining Aston Villa in January. Aston Villa has the option to fully transfer him for £40 million (approximately 76.4 billion won); however, if they do not execute this, Tottenham may actively step in," the media reported.
Furthermore, "Tottenham also pursued the acquisition of Rashford in the last winter transfer market, and at that time, coach Postecoglou attempted to loan Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich). The current situation has changed, and internal discussions concerning Rashford may become active again," it explained.
Since joining Tottenham in the 2015-2016 season, Son Heung-min has been one of the prominent forwards in the Premier League. However, concerns about aging curves have been raised recently due to a decline in stamina and fluctuating performance. The media outlet The Hard Tackle reported, "Son Heung-min has not fully harmonized with coach Postecoglou's tactical system this season. He is going through a tough period, and as his contract expiration approaches in 2026, the club is reconsidering his future."
Another media outlet, Give Me Sports, assessed that Tottenham's overall situation is unstable. The Hard Tackle added, "Although chairman Daniel Levy has managed the club long-term, they have not achieved noticeable results in recent seasons. Given this situation, the club may determine that structural changes in the squad are necessary."
In this situation, Son Heung-min's absence from the Liverpool match is somewhat bittersweet. However, if Son returns and shows good form in the Europa League, the chances for a happy ending are high. It remains to be seen how Son Heung-min's last dance, focusing on the Europa League after missing the Liverpool match, will turn out.
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