Son Heung-min's first victory aided by Bodo's missing five key players

Heaven helps Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) achieve his first victory.

Tottenham will face Norwegian side Bodo in the first leg of the semifinals of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on May 2.

Tottenham advanced after defeating Frankfurt in the quarterfinals with 1 win and 1 draw. However, an unexpected situation arose. On the 11th, Son Heung-min sustained a foot injury from a deep tackle in the first leg against Frankfurt. Since then, Son Heung-min has been absent for four consecutive matches.

Son Heung-min's condition is not improving quickly. Head coach Ange Postecoglou noted in an interview with BBC on the 28th, "Son Heung-min is undergoing rehabilitation and treatment to prepare for May 2. He is training hard to return, but it seems he won't be ready by the first leg. He will be ready for the second leg."

There is a silver lining in the misfortune. A total of five key players from the opposing team Bodo will not participate in the first leg. This has put Tottenham at an absolute advantage.

Football London reported, "Bodo's 26-year-old central defender Odin Bjerkseth suffered a groin injury and left the field in the 54th minute of a match against KFUM on the 28th. As a key player for the team, his participation in the match against Tottenham is uncertain."

There are other players who cannot play for Bodo. Captain Patrick Berg and midfielder partner Håkon Evjen will miss the first leg due to accumulating yellow cards. Andreas Helmersens, who scored an important goal against Lazio, has also been confirmed as ineligible for the first leg after being sent off in the previous match.

But that’s not all. Winger Ole Blomberg is also uncertain to play due to injury. In the worst-case scenario, a total of five players from key positions, including a forward, midfielders, and center-backs, will be absent.

Aside from Son Heung-min, all other players from Tottenham are available to participate. Even if Son Heung-min cannot play in the first leg, Tottenham is in a very advantageous position.

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