Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) faces the destruction of a significant record built over nine years.
Tottenham will face the home team Bode in the second leg of the semifinals of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League on the 9th in Bode, Norway. Tottenham defeated Bode 3-1 at home on the 2nd. Simply drawing in the second leg will secure a spot in the finals.
Tottenham is in a state of emergency. It has been reported that Son Heung-min, who was expected to return for the second leg, is unlikely to participate. Paul O'Keefe from 'GiveMeSport' noted on the 5th, "I heard that Son Heung-min will play if Tottenham reaches the finals." This is news that Son Heung-min will not be able to play in the second leg.
Tottenham achieved a decisive 3-1 victory in the first leg without Son Heung-min. It is clear that Bode has many injured players and is below Tottenham in strength. Tottenham only needs to draw in the away match to secure a spot in the finals.
However, complacency is not an option. In addition to Son Heung-min, James Maddison will also be unable to participate in the second leg. The ball is round. Anything can happen.
The UEFA Europa League is Son Heung-min's last opportunity to win a title this season. 'GiveMeSport' stated, "Son Heung-min has been unable to play since early April due to a foot injury. His absence has had a significant impact on the club. If Tottenham advances to the finals, the possibility of Son Heung-min lifting his first major trophy increases significantly."
As Son Heung-min's return is delayed, the significant record built over nine years faces destruction. Son Heung-min finished his adjustment to England with four goals in the 2015-16 season. He started scoring 14 goals the following year and has surpassed ten goals for eight consecutive years. Notably, in 2022, he tied for the top scorer with Mohamed Salah with 23 goals, becoming the first Asian player to win the top scorer title.
This season, Son Heung-min has scored seven goals and provided nine assists, performing below his usual standards. If Son Heung-min aims to return for the Europa League final on the 22nd, it might be too late. At this rate, his record of double digits will stop at eight years. Son Heung-min has not scored a field goal for over three months since the match against Arsenal on January 15.
If Son Heung-min's return is delayed, the only match he can definitely play will be the final match against Brighton on the 26th. He would need to achieve a hat trick just to barely reach a significant record. Of course, the championship trophy is more important. However, there is a risk that Son Heung-min's record may regrettably be thwarted.
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