'Captain' Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is almost ready to return. However, vice-captain James Maddison (29) could not avoid a regrettable injury. He announced the 'season out' news himself and sent a supportive message to his teammates.

Tottenham won 2-0 against Bodø/Glimt (Norway) in the away match of the second leg of the semifinals of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) held at the Asmira Stadium in Bodø, Norway on the 9th (Korean time).

As a result, Tottenham advanced to the final by defeating Bodø with an aggregate score of 5-1 over both legs. They won the first leg at home last week 3-1 and secured victory in the tough away game in Bodø, earning their ticket to the final. The Asmira Stadium is considered a graveyard for the away team due to its location in the Arctic Circle, cold weather, and artificial turf, but it was insufficient to bring down Tottenham.

Tottenham's final opponent is Manchester United, who advanced after defeating Athletic Bilbao. On the same day, Manchester United achieved a comeback win at home against Bilbao with a score of 4-1, moving on to the final with an aggregate score of 7-1. Both Manchester United and Tottenham are having their worst season, sitting at 15th and 16th place in the Premier League, respectively, and will meet for the European competition trophy. The final will be held on the 22nd at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.

However, Tottenham is facing significant personnel losses. Starting midfielder Lucas Berybal is out for the season with an ankle injury, followed by another key midfielder Maddison who has also fallen.

Maddison was injured in the first leg of the UEL semifinals against Bodø at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 2nd. He started and scored Tottenham's second goal, leading the team to a 3-1 victory, but he could not finish the match. He collapsed on the pitch in the 18th minute of the second half, suddenly complaining of pain, and was substituted shortly after.

After the match, coach Ange Postecoglou noted that Dominic Solanke, who collapsed alongside Maddison, seems to be okay, but added, "I am more worried about Maddison. We are waiting for more information. I am more concerned about Maddison than Solanke."

The uneasy feeling was not wrong. The British 'BBC' and 'Talk Sports' reported that Maddison's season is expected to be over, and Tottenham confirmed that he injured his knee and will be finishing the season early. Coach Postecoglou also shook his head, indicating that it is unlikely Maddison will return in time for the final.

For Tottenham, who are aiming to escape a title drought that has lasted 17 years, this is a devastating blow. Maddison has recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 45 games this season, leading Tottenham's attack. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there is no one to provide creative passes in his absence.

Maddison, who will have to watch the final from outside the stadium, expressed his feelings directly. He posted on social media, "It's devastating. I truly feel miserable. From the first day of the season, we aimed for the Europa final in Bilbao. It's really hard to accept that I won't be able to play with my teammates on that pitch."

Maddison also said, "Injuries are just part of this sport. But sometimes they can be truly cruel. However, I truly believe it can be a special night for my team Tottenham. Let's all be together on the 21st (the final). COYS (Come On Your Spurs)!" and asked for the fans' support.

On a positive note, Dejan Kulusevski has returned and is getting back into shape. He is expected to take one of the three central midfielder positions or play as an attacking midfielder to replace Maddison.

Meanwhile, the previously injured captain Son Heung-min is also preparing to return. He played nearly 80 minutes in the second leg of the UEL quarterfinals against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month but has not played since. He has missed the last 7 matches, including the semifinals against Bodø/Glimt, due to an unspecified foot injury.

However, Son Heung-min is expected to return at least for the UEL final. He shared a commemorative image of Tottenham's UEL final qualification on his social media on the 9th, leaving a short message saying, "Good morning and see you soon on the pitch." This was a pleasant hint of his return.

Coach Postecoglou also conveyed positive news. At a press conference ahead of the match against Crystal Palace on the 11th, he said, "Everyone completed Thursday's match without issues. I am half hopeful we can get Son Heung-min to play for a few minutes tomorrow. He is the only one who can truly return."

Tottenham announced this on the club's official website, stating, "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 the match against Bodø/Glimt last Thursday. Now there is good news that he is getting closer to returning ahead of the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United."

[Photo] ©Gettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Sports Bible, Mirror, Son Heung-min, Tottenham social media.

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