Tottenham struggles with key injuries as Son Heung-min and Maddison face crises

An emergency light has been activated for Tottenham Hotspur and 'captain' Son Heung-min's (33) challenge to break their trophyless streak. News has emerged that vice-captain James Maddison (29) is facing a season-ending injury crisis.

'Talk Sport' reported on the 5th (Korean time) that "Tottenham has suffered a significant blow due to concerns that a key player might face a long-term absence. Maddison is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury."

The outlet added, "According to sources, there are fears that Maddison could face a long absence if surgery is required. Test results are expected within the next 24 hours. His season seems likely to end ahead of Tottenham's UEFA Europa League (UEL) semifinal second leg."

Fabrizio Romano, a European football transfer market expert famous for the signature phrase 'HERE WE GO,' also mentioned the possibility of Maddison missing the rest of the season. He quoted 'Talk Sport' on social media, stating, "Breaking news: Maddison's season could be over. There are fears that the knee injury is serious."

Once Maddison goes under the knife, missing the rest of the season becomes inevitable. With only three Premier League matches remaining, Tottenham will play their final match at home on the 26th. With just three weeks left in the season, recovery time is tight.

On the 2nd, Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt (Norway) 3-1 in the first leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) semifinals held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham seized the initiative just a minute after the kickoff with a goal from Brennan Johnson and extended their lead with an additional goal from Maddison in the 34th minute. They solidified their advantage with a penalty kick goal from Dominic Solanke in the 16th minute of the second half. Although they conceded one goal to Ulrik Saltnes at the end of the match, they achieved a two-goal victory, positioning themselves favorably for the final.

However, Tottenham could not smile broadly. Setting aside the anxiety of conceding late, the fact that two key players fell to injury was concerning. In the 63rd minute, Maddison suddenly collapsed in pain on the field and was substituted shortly thereafter. Solanke also sat down and left the field in the 74th minute.

Manager Ange Postecoglou could not hide his concerns. After the match, he said, "I feel quite hopeful about Solanke. I think he will be okay," while noting, "I'm more worried about Maddison. I'm waiting for more information. I'm more worried about Maddison than Solanke."

The uneasy premonition seems to be turning into reality. Maddison and Solanke both did not participate in the match against West Ham on the 4th. In particular, the possibility of surgery has been raised for Maddison.

If Maddison does miss the rest of the season, it will be a critical blow to Tottenham's last hope for UEL victory. Tottenham, currently sitting 16th in the Premier League and having the worst season ever, is focusing all its attention on the UEL for the first time since winning the League Cup in 2007-2008.

However, a series of injury troubles have come up. Another core midfielder, Lucas Beerybal, has already ended his season with an ankle ligament injury. Captain Son Heung-min is also rehabilitating from a foot injury for nearly a month. If Maddison, who has contributed 12 goals and 10 assists in 45 matches this season, is also sidelined, the impact will be significant.

After the West Ham match, Manager Postecoglou sighed, saying, "It doesn’t look good. I’m waiting for more information." The only silver lining is that Solanke's condition is not bad. Postecoglou stated, "Solanke is improving. He was ruled out of today’s match, but the medical team is quite certain he will be able to play on Thursday (against Bodo in the second leg)."

Meanwhile, the return date for Son Heung-min remains unclear. After playing about 80 minutes and being substituted in the second leg of the UEL quarterfinal against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month, he has not played a single match. He has missed the last six matches due to a foot injury. Son Heung-min also cheered on his teammates from the stands during the first leg of the UEL semifinals against Bodo/Glimt, held on the 2nd.

Nevertheless, Son Heung-min is still not fully recovered. Fortunately, he has returned to training, but his participation in the second leg against Bodo on the 9th is still uncertain. There are even concerns about the possibility of him missing the rest of the season. Previously, 'Tottenham Hotspur News' expressed worries that Son Heung-min might have already played his last match in a Tottenham uniform.

For now, Manager Postecoglou has shared a positive outlook. He said, "Son Heung-min is working hard. He is recovering and getting better every day. He is still doing individual training, but he is training on the grass. We will monitor his condition to see if he can play on Thursday." The Tottenham club also stated, "Son Heung-min is continuing to work hard to shake off his foot injury."

Son Heung-min must quickly regain his condition to secure his first career trophy. Although he has played for Tottenham for 10 years, he has never lifted a major tournament trophy. With Son Heung-min remaining a key player under Postecoglou, his timely return is crucial for Tottenham’s hope of breaking a 17-year trophyless streak. Manchester United is likely to be Tottenham's opponent in the final.

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