Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) still has an uncertain return date. As the Europa League final approaches, the 'Harry Kane dilemma' from six years ago is re-emerging. Will Tottenham Hotspur make the same mistake again?

Tottenham will play the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt in Bodo, Norway, on the 9th (Korean time). Having won the first leg at home with a score of 3-1, the possibility of reaching the final is high, but captain Son Heung-min did not accompany the team for this away match. His name was omitted from both the departure list released by Tottenham and the press conference by coach Ange Postecoglou.

Coach Postecoglou noted, 'Son Heung-min has not yet returned to team training. Recovery is in progress, and his participation in the league match this weekend is also uncertain.' Since the match against Eintracht Frankfurt on the 11th of last month, he has missed a total of seven consecutive matches. While Son has begun training on the grass, his match readiness has not been confirmed due to his inability to participate in team training.

Concerns are also growing locally. British outlet 'Give Me Sport' reported that 'Son Heung-min could return in time for the final,' and staff from the medical team forecasted that 'currently, the Europa League final seems to be a realistic return date.'

The issue is that the idea of a 'return for the final' could become counterproductive. The current situation evokes memories of the 2019 Champions League final. At that time, Tottenham benched Lucas Moura, who dramatically led the team to the semifinals against AFC Ajax, and started Harry Kane, who had returned from injury. The result was a 0-2 defeat. Kane was ineffective throughout the match, while Moura was in tears. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's reliance on 'presence' turned out to be a fatal miscalculation.

Son Heung-min is different from Kane back then. He is not just an ace but a symbol and spiritual leader of the team. His absence has not been as lengthy as Kane's at that time. However, starting him in the final as a return match after a long absence carries significant risk. Tactical flow, physical balance, and match readiness all mean that his mere 'inclusion' could become another variable.

Coach Postecoglou is aware of this aspect as well. In a recent interview, he said, 'The return of injured players and their inclusion in matches are different matters. How they integrate into the team’s flow is important.' This applies to Son Heung-min as well.

Moreover, this tournament is not just any European competition. Tottenham is aiming for a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the 2008 League Cup. This is a crucial moment in the club's history and also Son Heung-min's first challenge for a European title in his career. The temptation to create a touching comeback scenario is understandable.

The important thing is not 'when' he returns, but 'how' he returns. Pushing for a hasty return relying on the name Son Heung-min could lead to a result that disrupts the overall balance of the team. To avoid repeating past mistakes, a more impartial and strategic judgment is necessary.

It is still unclear what choice Coach Postecoglou will make. However, one thing is certain: what this team needs right now is 'harmony.' Son Heung-min also knows his physical condition better than anyone and will respect the decision made for the team.

The Europa League final will take place on the 22nd. If Son Heung-min is on that stage, it would be a narrative in itself. However, to leave a moving conclusion, that return must be well-prepared.

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