Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) will miss another match. The issue is the reaction of the fans, which is gradually cooling off, rather than the injury and absence itself.

Tottenham Hotspur officially announced on the 1st (Korean time) via the club's official channel that "Son Heung-min will not participate in the first leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League semifinals against Bodø/Glimt on the 2nd."

Son Heung-min has missed four consecutive matches due to the effects of an injury sustained after being substituted out in the 34th minute of the second half during the quarterfinal first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt on the 11th of last month. Including the match against Bodø/Glimt, it will be five consecutive matches.

According to Tottenham, head coach Ange Postecoglou noted in a press conference ahead of the first leg of the semifinals that "Son Heung-min is still undergoing individual training. He is not yet participating in team training. Although he is recovering, it is difficult for him to participate in this match."

Although Son Heung-min was the "captain" and an "absolute presence," the local reaction is not what it used to be. Cooler responses have continued in local fan communities such as "Football Insider" and "Spurs Web."

"It’s time to express gratitude to Son Heung-min and send him off," and "To be honest, looking at his recent performance, his absence is not a significant loss" are typical reactions. Some fans have expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "He is in a state we cannot rely on for every match," showing concerns over the prolonging injuries and condition issues.

Experts have also pointed out the "uncertainty of recovery" as the reason for the delay in Son Heung-min's return. Previously, sports rehabilitation expert Dr. Rajpal Brar explained, "Foot injuries are unpredictable. Recovery varies greatly depending on treatment methods and individual constitution."

Son Heung-min still holds the team's highest attack points this season with 11 goals and 12 assists, but there have been criticisms of his performance being somewhat inconsistent until the recent injury. With Richarlison, Matthias Jensen, and Dejan Kulusevski unable to fill the void adequately, the overall offensive strength is also in a precarious situation.

Nevertheless, fans are no longer willing to wait solely for Son Heung-min. As Tottenham views the Europa League as their "last trophy chance," the ace's continuous absence appears to be a symbolic gap beyond just an injury absence.

Tottenham will host the first leg of the semifinals against Bodø/Glimt on the 2nd. The opposing team is expected to miss six first-team resources due to accumulated warnings and injuries. This is a match they must win even without Son Heung-min.

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