Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) will miss the UEFA Europa League (UEL) semifinals first leg.
Tottenham announced on its official website on May 1 (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min will not participate in the first leg of the UEL semifinals against Bodo/Glimt at 4 a.m. on May 2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium."
Since being substituted in the UEL quarterfinals first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt on April 11, Son Heung-min has been unable to play due to a foot injury. At that time, Son was substituted for Mathys Tel after struggling against tough defense in the 79th minute. Since then, he has missed four consecutive matches, starting with the Premier League match against Wolverhampton.
In addition, Son Heung-min is expected to miss the first leg of the UEL semifinals.
Manager Ange Postecoglou noted that it is still difficult to put Son Heung-min in actual games. In a pre-match press conference held on April 30 local time, he said, "Son will not participate in the match. He is training but is still separated from the team. His condition is improving, so I hope he can return soon."
Tottenham, missing Son Heung-min, has been continuing a recent slump. They won 1-0 in the quarterfinals second leg against Frankfurt, but are on a three-match losing streak in the league. Their recent record over four matches is one win and three losses.
Tottenham will face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals at 4 a.m. on May 2.
On the other hand, it is positive for Tottenham that the opposing team Bodo/Glimt has suffered personnel losses. Bodo/Glimt is expected to be without six first-team players due to accumulated yellow cards and injuries. Bodo/Glimt, considered the weakest team among those reaching the UEL semifinals, faces additional absences of key players.
[Photo] Son Heung-min ⓒGettyimages (no unauthorized reproduction or redistribution)
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