Japanese media are also hoping for Son Heung-min's first victory.

Tottenham will face Bodo in the second leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League semifinals, held at 4 a.m. (Korean time) on the 9th in Bodo, Norway. After winning the first leg 3-1, Tottenham will advance to the final with just a draw.

The problem is injuries. Son Heung-min, who is out due to a foot injury, will miss his seventh consecutive match. Three players, including James Maddison and Lucas Beriwal, have also been confirmed as absent.

Angie Postecoglou, the coach, noted at an official press conference held on the 8th, "Son Heung-min is still recovering. He is improving a lot, but he has not yet returned to team training. There is a possibility of returning for the weekend match, but he will not participate in this match. He is pushing hard to come back."

Tottenham's expected best XI has also been revealed. In a 4-3-3 formation, Tottenham is expected to have Matthias Tale, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson in the attack, with Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and Dejan Kulusevski in the midfield. The back four will consist of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Mickey van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie, with Guglielmo Vicario as the goalkeeper.

Although Son Heung-min is absent, Tottenham is in a favorable position. Despite the disadvantages of playing away, there is a strong outlook that Tottenham will win.

Since joining Tottenham in 2015, Son Heung-min has yet to win a title. Compared to his skills that earned him the Premier League top scorer title, he has had very few victories. Harry Kane and Eric Dier, who played together at Tottenham, have dominated the Bundesliga this season. An excellent opportunity has also come for Son Heung-min.

Japanese media are also supporting Son Heung-min. "The World" reported, "Harry Kane has finally ended the title drought by winning the Bundesliga. Can his long-time partner Son Heung-min break the curse? Son Heung-min and Kane have come close to winning several times with their outstanding chemistry but have been frustrated each time."

It continued, "Kane has finally achieved his dream in the Bundesliga. Son Heung-min is likewise a player who deserves a trophy. Tottenham has sunk to 16th in the Premier League. They have reached the semifinals of the Europa League. Can Kane's friend Son Heung-min also break the curse? The 32-year-old Son Heung-min will also now want to win."

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