As Tottenham's challenge for the trophy reaches its climax, captain Son Heung-min is once again absent from the squad. Hopes for a return still remain, but the distance to actual participation has not narrowed.
Tottenham will face Bodø/Glimt in the second leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) semifinals on the 9th at the Nordland Asmira Stadium in Norway. Having won the first leg held in London 3-1, Tottenham is in a favorable position for advancing to the final.
However, Son Heung-min did not join this important away game.
Tottenham stated through their official channel on the 8th, "Son Heung-min is recovering, but he has been excluded from this away roster." Head coach Ange Postecoglou also noted at a press conference, "Son Heung-min is improving gradually. However, he has not yet joined team training. There is a possibility of his return for the weekend match." His presence was not seen in publicly shared travel videos and photos.
Son Heung-min's injury occurred during the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal against Frankfurt on April 11th. He injured his foot due to a strong tackle from an opposing attacker and has since missed both the English Premier League (EPL) and UEL schedules to recover. He was unable to even make the entry list for the Wolverhampton match.
At that time, Postecoglou mentioned, "There was a strong impact on his foot. I believe he can return around the second leg of the Europa League," but he also missed the second leg and subsequently did not participate in league matches against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Son Heung-min's return has taken much longer than expected. He has returned to training but has not yet participated in team tactical sessions.
Postecoglou indicated, "Recovery is progressing slowly. There were times when the situation did not improve and actually worsened," suggesting that a cautious approach is necessary. His foot condition remains incomplete, and the focus is on safe recovery rather than early return.
In the first leg of the Europa League against Bodø/Glimt, Son Heung-min had to cheer for his teammates from the stands instead of the bench. He was also unable to make the roster for the subsequent Premier League match against West Ham. With his unavailability for the second leg confirmed, Son Heung-min is experiencing an unusual gap with seven consecutive matches missed.
Tottenham is now on the verge of reaching the final. If they overcome Bodø/Glimt, they will take the stage for the Europa League final on the 22nd.
The last time Tottenham lifted an official trophy was in 2008 with the League Cup. With a chance for a title in 17 years at stake, the absence of Son Heung-min is increasingly missed.
After the match against Bodø/Glimt, Tottenham will also have league fixtures against Crystal Palace (home) on the 11th and Aston Villa (away) on the 17th. Postecoglou expressed a positive sentiment, saying, "I believe Son Heung-min will return soon," but his return date remains uncertain.
Fans are feeling both expectation and anxiety. As the team's mental pillar and ace, Son Heung-min is absent while Tottenham is racing toward the trophy. However, whether Son Heung-min will take the stage in the final remains uncertain.
[OSEN]