Tottenham, on the cusp of a championship win after 17 years, is preparing to march forward once again. At the center of this is captain Son Heung-min, who is returning from injury. His participation in the UEFA Europa League final carries meaning beyond just a simple return.
Tottenham will face Crystal Palace on the 11th (KST) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London for the 36th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League. This is a critical turning point to carry the momentum from the Europa League into the league stage.
Recently, Tottenham has achieved impressive results on the European stage. On the 9th, in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals, they defeated FK Bodø/Glimt 2-0, securing a comfortable aggregate score of 5-1 after a 3-1 victory in the first leg. This marks their first return to a major tournament final since the 2007-2008 season Carling Cup (now Carabao Cup).
The finals opponent is Manchester United. This season, Tottenham has faced Manchester United three times, winning every match. Both the record and the atmosphere are favorable for Tottenham. Additionally, the anticipated return of the team's symbol, Son Heung-min, has raised expectations even higher.
According to local sources, Son Heung-min is expected to return to the field in the match against Palace.
Football London's Alasdair Gold noted, "Son Heung-min has recovered from his injury and is ready to take part in the match against Crystal Palace. Especially ahead of the Europa League final, it is essential to regain match fitness."
Son Heung-min also conveyed a message about his return. He posted a photo congratulating the team on their advancement to the finals on his social media, alongside the phrase, "See you on the pitch soon," communicating with fans. Having focused on his recovery, Son Heung-min is now fully prepared to return to the center of the team.
Throughout this season's Europa League, Son Heung-min has created crucial moments in important instances. He recorded 3 goals and 1 assist in the group stage and round of 16, taking on the role of a breakthrough player. Up until his injury before the second leg of the quarterfinals, he was a key attacker for Tottenham. Despite the team's successful advancement to the finals without him, there is a prevailing sentiment that such a result would have been impossible without Son Heung-min.
However, his condition is not yet perfect. While he needs to participate to regain match fitness, an overly hasty return could pose risks. Among Tottenham fans, memories of Harry Kane's silent performance after hastily returning from injury in the 2019 Champions League final are being recalled.
Accordingly, Tottenham plans to gradually manage Son Heung-min's playing time to improve his physical condition. Gold stated, "The match against Palace will serve as a simulation stage for Son Heung-min towards the final. It is necessary to distribute his playing time and restore match fitness."
Although they are somewhat behind in the Premier League ranking battle, the singular goal of winning the Europa League remains intact. A championship win would secure a berth in next season's UEFA Champions League, making the remaining schedule a warm-up process leading to the finals. The physical condition of Son Heung-min is the biggest variable and challenge for Manager Postecoglou.
The aggressive pressing, solid defensive organization, and teamwork exhibited in the away match against Bodø are now Tottenham's most confident weapons. If Son Heung-min joins in, the confidence heading into the finals will undoubtedly increase. Fans are also eagerly awaiting Son Heung-min's return amidst the cheers of European competitions.
Now, there is only one thing before Tottenham - 'victory.' The final journey to break the 17-year drought of a championship begins with leader Son Heung-min.
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