Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is set to return. Manager Ange Postecoglou noted, "Son Heung-min may be able to play in the match against Crystal Palace," revealing the possibility of his comeback.

Tottenham will face Crystal Palace at 10:15 p.m. (Korea time) on the 11th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, for the 36th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL).

Tottenham, having secured their place in the league, is currently 16th with 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, 19 losses), while Palace is 12th with 46 points (11 wins, 13 draws, 11 losses).

This season, Tottenham has been experiencing severe difficulties. With 19 losses by the 35th round, they have tied the record for the most losses in a season since the Premier League's inception in 1992 (1993-1994, 2003-2004 seasons). If they lose even once in their remaining 3 matches, they will incur the disgrace of having the most losses in a 38-game format in the club's history.

Tottenham has shifted its focus from the EPL to winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL), effectively sidelining the league.

The focal point of the Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace match can be said to be "the return of Son Heung-min."

Son Heung-min has been sidelined for the last 7 matches due to a foot injury, after playing about 80 minutes in the second leg of the UEL quarterfinals against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month. He also missed the second leg of the UEL semifinals against Bodo/Glimt on the 9th.

Son Heung-min, who has been away from the field for a while, seems ready to return.

At the pre-match press conference for the Crystal Palace game, Postecoglou said, "I hope to have Son Heung-min on the field for a few minutes. He is the player closest to a comeback."

The club also conveyed the news through its website.

Tottenham announced, "Son Heung-min aims to return for the Palace match. He had shown good recovery since before the game against Bodo/Glimt. The return is near ahead of the UEL final against Manchester United on the 22nd."

Son Heung-min also sent a signal for his return. On the 9th, he posted on his social media account, "See you on the pitch soon." Though it is just a single line, it carries a hopeful message that signals the end of waiting for his fans.

In any case, Tottenham succeeded in reaching the UEL final without Son Heung-min. They defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate over the two legs of the semifinals, securing a spot in the final where Manchester United awaits.

The UEL final against Manchester United holds significant meaning for Son Heung-min. It may be his last opportunity to finally claim his first major trophy since turning professional.

Since leaving Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015, Son Heung-min has played for Tottenham for over 9 seasons, appearing in over 400 official matches and scoring more than 160 goals. He became the first Asian player to achieve a total of 100 goals in the EPL. He shared the top scorer title with Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, recording 23 goals in the 2021-2022 season. This marked the first time an Asian player won the EPL top scorer. He has also scored over 20 goals in the UEFA Champions League. He led Tottenham to the Champions League final in the 2018-2019 season but had to settle for runner-up. Son Heung-min has notably never been connected with a trophy.

Currently, key players such as James Maddison and Lucas Bergwijn are sidelined due to injuries. The return of Son Heung-min is expected to provide a significant boost not only to the attack but to the entire team.

Local media have also emphasized Son Heung-min's presence. 'Tottenham News' evaluated, "Son Heung-min has shown strong performances in major matches for years. Even if he is not a starter, he is a player who can change the course of the game just by being substituted."

If Son Heung-min plays against Crystal Palace, he is likely to focus on regaining match sharpness. 'Hotspur HQ' predicted, "Son Heung-min may start on the bench and be brought in during the second half."

Son Heung-min has shown strong performances against Crystal Palace in the past. In total, he has scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists across 17 matches.

Tottenham has also shown strength against Crystal Palace, boasting 14 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.

[Photo] Son Heung-min / Son Heung-min, Tottenham social media account / ©Gettyimages (no reproduction or redistribution without permission)

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