Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), who has been absent for a long time due to injury, has lost confidence.

Tottenham will face Norway's Bode in the first leg of the semifinals of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, scheduled for May 2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. This is Tottenham's last chance to challenge for a trophy this season, as they face a crisis of not winning any titles.

The variable is Son Heung-min's injury. Tottenham advanced after defeating Frankfurt with one win and one draw in the quarterfinals. However, an unexpected situation arose. On the 11th, Son Heung-min suffered a foot injury after a deep tackle in the first leg against Frankfurt. Since then, Son Heung-min has missed four consecutive matches.

Ultimately, Son Heung-min has been confirmed to miss the first leg against Bode. 'Sporting News' noted on the 30th that "Son Heung-min is not included in the projected starting lineup for the Europa League semifinals against Bode. His participation is uncertain. Coach Ange Postecoglou may have to make adjustments in the rotation."

Coach Postecoglou stated in an interview with the BBC on the 28th that "Son Heung-min is undergoing rehabilitation and treatment to be ready for May 2. He is training hard to return, but I don't think he will be ready by the first leg. He should be ready for the second leg." He expressed uncertainty about Son Heung-min's participation.

What thoughts might the reporters covering Tottenham closely have? If Son Heung-min were at 100% condition, it would be natural for him to start, but there is a consensus that he should not play if he is not fully fit due to injury.

Alasdair Gold, a dedicated reporter for Tottenham, predicted that "Since Son Heung-min has been absent for a long time, there is a high possibility that he will play a bench role even if he returns. Because he is not at his best, it would be better for Matheus Tel to start on the left side. He has shone brightly against Frankfurt. on the right should be Dejan Kulusevski."

Rob Guest, a football journalist, stated, "If Son Heung-min is not fully fit, Tel should start. Son Heung-min has not played well recently due to a foot injury. It is certain who will start." He articulated his argument for excluding Son Heung-min.

Lee Wilmot, the football head of Football London, commented, "If Son Heung-min returns, he should definitely start. The captain still plays a very large role. The gap was significantly large in Son Heung-min's absence. Kulusevski should play on the right. Dominic Solanke is at the forefront." He was the only one who supported Son Heung-min.

With Son Heung-min's absence confirmed, Tel is expected to start in the first leg. Can Tottenham win without Son Heung-min?

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