"See you soon on the pitch." Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) hinted at his return date. The return toward the final stage is finally becoming visible.

On the 9th (Korean time), Son Heung-min shared a post on his Instagram story regarding Tottenham's advance to the UEFA Europa League final, leaving a message saying, "Good morning and see you soon on the pitch."

Given that it's a player himself speaking rather than the club or the coach, this statement is interpreted as a clear signal towards a return to the pitch.

Until recently, Son Heung-min had been sidelined for seven consecutive official matches due to a foot injury. He prepared for his return in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, but he fell again due to a recurrence of pain, and while training is ongoing, he has continued rehabilitation away from the team. He was also not named on the bench in the semifinals.

Despite Son Heung-min's absence, Tottenham has successfully advanced to the finals. On the 9th, Tottenham defeated FK Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in the second leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League semifinals held at Asmira Stadium in Norway.

Following a 3-1 victory in the first leg, Tottenham overwhelmed with a total of 5-1 and heads to Bilbao, Spain, for the finals.

The match was played amid the severe cold of the Arctic Circle, artificial turf, and the absence of Son Heung-min and James Maddison; however, Tottenham remained unfazed. From the beginning, they disrupted Bodo's buildup with high pressure, maintaining a clean sheet and securing a 2-0 victory.

Head Coach Ange Postecoglou previously remarked on Son Heung-min's injury, saying, "Son Heung-min hasn't been able to participate in team training yet, but his condition is improving. The return date is approaching," indicating a gradual recovery.

Amid this, Son Heung-min's estimated return date is projected to be May 11th. 'Premier Injury,' which specializes in injury updates, reported on the 9th, "Son Heung-min's target return date is the upcoming match against Crystal Palace on the 11th," which leaves just a week before the Europa League final.

Locally, there is optimism regarding Son Heung-min's participation in the final. Paul O'Keefe of 'Give Me Sport' stated, "I’ve heard that Son Heung-min will play in the final," while 'Tottenham Hotspur News' expressed optimism, stating, "Son Heung-min is a veteran who can create magical moments. He could be a powerful weapon for Coach Postecoglou on the final stage."

[OSEN]