Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur), who had been absent for a month, has finally completed preparations to return. Following his personal greeting to fans that they would meet soon, manager Ange Postecoglou also shared hopeful news.
Tottenham will meet Crystal Palace in the home game of the 36th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League season at 10:15 p.m. (Korea time) on the 11th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
Currently, Tottenham remains in 16th place with 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, 19 losses). If they lose just one more match, it will mark the first time in the club's history that they record 20 losses since the Premier League was established in 1992. In contrast, Palace is in 12th place with 46 points (11 wins, 13 draws, 11 losses).
Positive news emerged the day before the match: Son Heung-min could return. Postecoglou noted, "Everyone completed Thursday's match without issues. I am half hopeful that I can have Son Heung-min play for a few minutes tomorrow. He is the only one who can truly return."
Tottenham announced through the club website that "Postecoglou is 'half hopeful' about Son Heung-min's return for the Palace match. He emphasized that Son Heung-min is recovering well ahead of last Thursday's match against Bodo/Glimt. Now, ahead of the Manchester United and Europa League final, good news is being reported that he is getting closer to a return."
Son Heung-min played about 80 minutes and was substituted in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month, and has not played since then. He has missed the last seven matches, including the semifinal against Bodo/Glimt, due to an undisclosed foot injury.
Despite this, Son Heung-min is still not fully recovered. Fortunately, he has been partially resuming individual training, but the exact timeline for his full return has not been disclosed. There are even concerns about him being out for the season. Earlier, 'Tottenham News' worried that Son Heung-min might have played his final match in a Tottenham jersey.
Fortunately, Son Heung-min's condition has gradually improved. Postecoglou explained at a press conference held ahead of the midweek Bodo match, "Son Heung-min is still recovering. He is doing individual training but has not returned to team training. There is a possibility he could return this weekend, but he will not travel to the Bodo away match. Son Heung-min is strongly pushing for a return."
If Tottenham defeats Bodo and reaches the final, there are high expectations that Son Heung-min will be able to return in time. Journalist Paul O'Keefe, who is well-versed in Tottenham insider news, claimed that if Tottenham reaches the final stage, it will be with Son Heung-min.
Tottenham reached the final despite the absence of captain Son Heung-min. On the 9th, they defeated Bodo 2-0 in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal at AS Myra Stadium in Bodo, Norway, winning 5-1 on aggregate.
Tottenham's final opponent will be Premier League rival Manchester United. The final between the two teams will take place on the 22nd in Bilbao, Spain. For Son Heung-min, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight for his first career trophy.
If Son Heung-min returns, it will be like gaining an army for Tottenham. During the last month, the left wingers who filled in for him—Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and Wilson Odobert—have all been inadequate to fill his gap. With vice-captain James Maddison also out for the season due to a knee injury, Son Heung-min's leadership and experience are needed more than ever.
'Tottenham News' also stated, "Son Heung-min must return for the final. He has proven himself to be a strong player in big matches for years," adding, "Son Heung-min has struggled this season, but he is the player who records goals and assists in the biggest matches. He could be a difference-maker against Manchester United, whether as a starter or coming off the bench."
Now, it is a situation where all that remains is for Son Heung-min to return safely. Thankfully, on the 9th, Son Heung-min shared an image celebrating Tottenham's UEFA Europa League final qualification through his social media, leaving a short message: "Good morning and see you soon on the pitch."
Though it was just a single line, it was a message that many Tottenham fans and domestic football fans had been waiting for almost a month. The fact that Son Heung-min himself hinted that he would soon recover from his injury makes it seem certain that he will be deployed against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.
The most ideal scenario is for Son Heung-min to come on as a substitute in the match against Palace or the match against Aston Villa on the 17th, regain his match fitness, and then show 100% against Manchester United. 'Hotspur HQ' also mentioned, "Son Heung-min could play in the second half against Crystal Palace this weekend. He could start on the bench and come on in the second half to maintain his condition. He also needs to bring his condition up for the Villa match."
Now, Son Heung-min can also look forward to appearing in the Palace match. The key is to normalize his physical condition as much as possible before the final. For him, this UEFA Europa League final is a great opportunity to achieve victory after two previous final losses. It has taken a long time, but Son Heung-min is trying to return for this important moment.
[Photo] TNT Sports, Son Heung-min, Tottenham, Mirror, B/R Football social media.
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