Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is expected to be sidelined longer than anticipated due to injury. Tottenham will again face Liverpool without Son Heung-min.
Manager Ange Postecoglou announced Son's absence during a pre-match press conference held on the 25th (Korea time). Tottenham will play Liverpool in Round 34 of the 2024-2025 English Premier League on the 28th at 12:30 a.m.
Son Heung-min was injured on the 11th during the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt. He suffered a foot injury after failing to evade a rough tackle from the opposing defense.
Since then, Son Heung-min has missed the Premier League Round 32 match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the second leg of the Europa League quarterfinal against Frankfurt, and Round 33 against Nottingham Forest. He is also unlikely to participate in the upcoming match against Liverpool.
During the press conference, Postecoglou noted, "There are no major changes in the squad. The players have prepared well since the Nottingham match. Son Heung-min is recovering well during rehabilitation, but he is not in condition to play against Liverpool. He is the only player who cannot participate in the match."
Son Heung-min has recently returned to training. However, he needs a little more time before returning to competitive play. He is currently engaging in light individual training on the grass.
Postecoglou expressed that he would handle Son Heung-min's return with caution. He emphasized, "The foot is an area that supports weight, so we need to be careful. We are alternating between rest and treatment. The fact that Son Heung-min has had a full week's rest is an important first step in rehabilitation."
From Tottenham's perspective, Son Heung-min's early return is a significant burden. Tottenham is aiming to break the 'no trophy' curse by winning the first leg of the Europa League semifinals against Bodø/Glimt scheduled for May 2. Son Heung-min is managing his body as carefully as possible for this important schedule.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who Tottenham will face, is on a tremendous upward trend. Liverpool currently maintains a record of 24 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses in the league, totaling 79 points, leading the table. A draw in this match will secure their victory in the Premier League.
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