Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) is making a comeback. After nearly a month of absence, he is set to return to the pitch wearing the captain's armband. The news of his return, just before the UEFA Europa League final, has already brought great hope to Tottenham.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou mentioned the possibility of Son Heung-min's participation in an official press conference held ahead of the 36th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League against Crystal Palace on the 10th (Korean time).

The home game against Palace on the 11th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be Son Heung-min's 'comeback stage.'

According to Football London, Postecoglou said, 'There are no additional injuries. Overall, the players' physical condition is improving,' and noted, 'Son (Heung-min) is expected to play for a few minutes in tomorrow's game.' He added, 'For now, he is the only player available for return.'

In fact, Son Heung-min's return was anticipated. While he did not participate in team training during the second leg of the Europa League semifinals last month, he visited the site, suggesting he was recovering. Postecoglou had commented there, 'It is unfortunate that Son couldn't return, but his condition is improving, so he may be able to play in the weekend match.'

Immediately after Tottenham secured a spot in the final, Son Heung-min hinted at his return by leaving a message on social media saying, 'Good morning, see you soon at the stadium.' Fans' expectations grew, and the manager's remarks heightened that anticipation.

Son Heung-min last played on the 1st leg of the Europa League quarterfinals in mid-last month. He sustained a severe foot injury from a rough tackle by an opposing player during the match against Frankfurt, and his recovery took longer than expected, resulting in his absence for nearly a month. He subsequently missed four consecutive league matches against Wolverhampton, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham United, making it difficult to predict his return.

As the official injury status and precise return schedule were not disclosed, some speculated about the possibility of a season-ending injury. However, he appeared at the training ground and walked on the grass, showing a healthy physical condition, renewing expectations for an early return.

The match against Crystal Palace presents a valuable opportunity for Son Heung-min to sharpen his match sense ahead of the final. Tottenham has only two matches left before the Europa League final on the 24th: one against Palace and the other an away game against Aston Villa on the 17th. These two matches are essential for Son to deliver an optimal performance in the final.

This season, Son Heung-min has played in 9 matches in the Europa League, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, leading Tottenham's attack. Although he has been absent since the second leg of the quarterfinals, his contributions in the group stage and round of 16 are credited as the foundation for the team's journey to the final. Particularly with Manchester United as the final opponent, Son's return is bound to be a decisive factor for the team's strength.

This final is special for Son Heung-min as well. He is the only player from Tottenham to start in a European competition final and is facing his first major trophy challenge in his career. Attention is focused on whether he can lift the championship trophy as a captain after narrowly missing it in previous opportunities.

However, looking at the overall achievements of the season, there is not a little disappointment. His current tally of 7 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League coincides with the possibility of not reaching double-digit goals for the first time since the 2016-2017 season, while his totals across all competitions stand at 11 goals and 12 assists in 43 matches.

However, if he achieves the one and only goal of winning, all disappointments can be overshadowed in an instant. Son Heung-min expressed a strong determination for victory at the beginning of the season, stating, 'Now we need a trophy,' and finally, the opportunity has come close. As he makes his comeback from injury, interest among fans and media is rising regarding the resolve Son will bring into the final.

Son Heung-min's return is more than just a tactical reinforcement. It can serve as a signal of hope that may simultaneously fulfill Tottenham's ambitions for the Europa League title and Son Heung-min's long-standing thirst for success.

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